MSPO 2024: New ZSSW-30 remote-controlled turret enhances combat capabilities for Polish Forces.

At the 32nd International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2024) in Poland, held from September 3 to 6, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ SA), a state-owned entity overseeing numerous Polish defense firms, presented the ZSSW-30, a remotely controlled turret system designed for the Polish Land Forces. Developed by a consortium led by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) and WB Electronics, this turret is intended to be integrated into various armored fighting vehicles, including the Rosomak armored personnel carrier (APC) and the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).
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The ZSSW-30 turret features a range of equipment, including bi-axial stabilization for its primary weapons: a 30mm Mk44S Bushmaster II autocannon and a 7.62mm UKM-2000C coaxial machine gun. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The ZSSW-30, or "Zdalnie Sterowany System Wieżowy 30 mm" (30mm Remote Control Turret System), has been designed to engage and neutralize enemy armored targets and support combat operations under a wide range of conditions, including varied climates and times of day. The turret is set to replace the Hitfist-30P turret on the Rosomak APC and is expected to provide the Polish military with enhanced operational capabilities.

The turret features a range of equipment, including bi-axial stabilization for its primary weapons: a 30mm Mk44S Bushmaster II autocannon and a 7.62mm UKM-2000C coaxial machine gun. The ZSSW-30 is also equipped with a double anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launcher for Spike-LR missiles, eight smoke grenade launchers, and a fire control system capable of supporting programmable ammunition. It operates in both "Hunter-Killer" and "Killer-Killer" modes, and includes the OBRA-3 SSP-1 laser radiation detection system, which is linked to eight smoke grenade launchers.

In terms of observation, the ZSSW-30 integrates independently stabilized devices for both the commander and the armaments operator, along with an additional wide-angle periscope for emergency use. Communication within the turret is facilitated by the FONET internal system. The turret is capable of firing in both automatic and emergency modes, with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute for high-explosive ammunition and 120 rounds per minute for air-burst munitions (ABM).

The turret’s development history began in response to challenges with the maintenance and modernization of the Hitfist-30P turrets used on the Rosomak APC. Plans to license an unmanned turret system from Leonardo were dismissed due to concerns over operational difficulties. Instead, a competition was launched in March 2011 between two consortia. The winning bid, led by HSW and WB Electronics, secured a contract in March 2013 to produce five prototype turrets, aiming for serial production by 2016. However, production faced delays due to the ambitious schedule and the decision by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) to minimize foreign components in the design.

The first prototype of the ZSSW-30 was unveiled at the MSPO 2014, with further development and testing continuing over the next several years. The turret completed trials in October 2021, leading to negotiations for serial production. In November 2022, WB Group contracted PCO to manufacture 70 "Iris" and "Nike" sights for the first production batch. The ZSSW-30 was officially introduced into service in December 2023 with the 21st Podhale Rifle Brigade, featuring on five Rosomak IFVs.

The ZSSW-30 turret is intended to be integrated into various armored fighting vehicles, including the Rosomak armored personnel carrier and the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle. (Picture source: Huta Stalowa Wola)

Future enhancements for the ZSSW-30 turret include the potential integration of EyeQ AI algorithms to improve target tracking and identification, and plans to incorporate additional types of anti-tank guided missiles, such as the FGM-148 Javelin. These improvements aim to extend the turret's operational capabilities.

The turret's armament includes the Mk44S Bushmaster II autocannon, which is compatible with various ammunition types and has a dual-feed system that allows for quick switching between them. The UKM-2000C coaxial machine gun provides additional support against lighter targets. To engage heavily armored vehicles, the turret carries two Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles, which offer multiple operating modes and a range of up to 4.5 kilometers. The Spike-LR missiles are housed in a separate launch container, which enhances safety and allows for rapid replacement in the field.

The ZSSW-30 is fitted with eight 81mm smoke grenade launchers, designed to provide a multispectral smoke screen that obscures the vehicle in both visible and infrared spectrums. These smoke grenades are produced by ZSP Niewiadów and provide temporary cover to protect the vehicle from enemy detection systems.

While the level of armor protection for the ZSSW-30 turret has not been officially disclosed, it reportedly includes materials such as polyethylene fabric, steel plates, and ceramic composites, providing level III protection for the turret’s main structure and missile container. Additional protective measures are provided by the OBRA-3 soft kill active protection system, which detects and counteracts incoming threats using automatic smoke deployment.

For situational awareness, the ZSSW-30 uses the "Iris" and "Nike" sights, which offer advanced optical capabilities for both the commander and gunner. These sights are equipped with daytime and thermal channels, laser rangefinders, and emergency optical sights, all integrated into the turret’s fire control system. The fire control system supports various modes of engagement, allowing for effective targeting even when the vehicle is in motion.