Poland to sign major contracts for Rosomak APC fitted with new ZSSW-30 turret.

According to a recent Defense24 publication dated June 3, 2024, two major contracts for Rosomak carriers equipped with ZSSW-30 turrets are planned for this year. The first contract, which should be signed in the coming weeks, concerns 58 Rosomak transporters in standard version. A second contract, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024, concerns the purchase of 174 KTO Rosomak-L type vehicles with an extended hull. All these vehicles will be equipped with the new, more powerful Scania DC13 engine, developed in Sweden. These developments underline the Polish Army's continued commitment to modernizing and strengthening its land defense capabilities.

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Polish Rosomak APCs fitted with Huta Stalowa Wola ZSSW-30 turrets (Picture source: Polish MoD)

The ZSSW-30, a high-tech remotely operated weapon station, is a product of the Polish company Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), developed in partnership with WB Electronics between 2013 and 2021. Designed to match the protection level of the vehicle's hull, this turret is armed with a versatile 30mm ATK-44 chain gun, and a coaxial UKM-2000C machine gun, a 7.62x51 NATO caliber weapon that replaces the Soviet-era PKT. It also features two launchers equipped with Spike-LR Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). For enhanced accuracy and operational capability, the ZSSW-30 is equipped with a sophisticated computerized fire control system and a laser range finder. This advanced turret system, which includes the capability to upgrade to a 40mm x 180 caliber with programmable ammunition, also incorporates a hunter-killer/killer-killer principle-based fire control system developed in Poland, with optoelectronic heads by PCO. The turret is already operational on the Borsuk Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and is expected to be deployed on the forthcoming Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle (CBWP), highlighting its critical role in modernizing armored combat vehicles.

The recently acquired Wolverines will feature the new Scania DC13 engine, replacing the older Scania DI12 model which is no longer in production. At the same time, the Polish army began receiving the first Rosomak carriers with ZSSW-30 turrets, integrating these existing vehicles with sophisticated new towers.

Following the successful completion of qualification tests at the end of 2021, a contract was signed in 2022 for the supply of 70 carriers, with a deadline scheduled for 2027. The first examples have already been deployed within the 21st Podhale Rifle Brigade. It is important to note that although the Rosomak carrier equipped with the ZSSW-30 turret was tested for buoyancy, the results indicated that the reserve buoyancy was considered insufficient by the military, leading to the exclusion of this capacity of final requirements.

As a reminder, the intention to conclude a contract for a new Rosomak armored personnel carrier (APC) equipped with the ZSSW-30 turret has been structured in two distinct phases, likely aimed at speeding up deliveries. According to Lieutenant Colonel Polak, the first delivery of vehicles under this contract is expected in 2026, while the delivery of more advanced versions of the carriers is planned for the period 2027-2029. The framework contract envisages the acquisition of 341 carriers equipped with the ZSSW system, with the majority planned after the finalization of the mentioned agreements. Deliveries of APCs to the Polish army are particularly crucial, especially since several dozen carriers, equipped with Hitfist turrets, have already been sent to Ukraine, in addition to a large number of BWP-1s. In the future, these Rosomaks will be replaced by a new model of wheeled armored personnel carrier, the development of which was initiated last year.

The WB Group explored potential advancements for the ZSSW-30 turret, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence into the fire control system, expanding its capabilities. This turret is also capable of adapting to various types of anti-tank guided missiles. In December 2023, the Armaments Agency expressed its intention to equip Rosomak vehicles with anti-tank missiles. Currently, two initiatives are underway for the additional delivery of Rosomak APC carriers equipped with the ZSSW-30 with anti-tank missile launchers. This includes the acquisition of 58 ROSOMAK KTOs equipped with the ZSSW-30 with SPIKE-LR ATGM missiles and another 174 KTOs planned to integrate systems from various suppliers. These suppliers include those of SPIKE and JAVELIN ATGM missiles, with the final decision on the choice of ATGMs being conditioned by the results of ongoing procedures and negotiations on technology transfer with foreign partners for the Polish defense industry.

Regarding protection, the Rosomak boasts modular armor that can be upgraded according to mission requirements. Its basic armor provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. In contrast, additional armor modules can offer enhanced protection against heavier threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and anti-tank mines. Onboard combat equipment includes advanced communication systems, a battlefield management system (BMS), and modern fire control systems, ensuring effective coordination and engagement during operations.

Polish Rosomak APCs fitted with Huta Stalowa Wola ZSSW-30 turrets (Picture source: Huta Stalowa Wola)