Poland’s new Ratel infantry fighting vehicle highlights a shift toward heavier, more survivable armored platforms. Designed to withstand direct hits from 30 mm cannons at combat distances, the IFV weighs approximately 42 tons with growth potential up to 48 tons for additional armor and protection systems. Closely related to the Borsuk IFV, Ratel shares key automotive and combat systems, simplifying logistics. Armed with the ZSSW-30 remote turret, the vehicle forms part of a broader modernization effort calling for over 1,000 new IFVs, with prototype testing expected by 2026.
