Poland Enhances Propulsion of Its Future Borsuk IFVs with Allison’s 3040MX Transmission.

Poland's mechanized infantry program selected the Allison 3040 MX transmission to equip the Borsuk Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). This decision is part of a broader modernization policy of the Polish Armed Forces, aimed at replacing aging platforms with systems entirely designed and produced domestically. On March 27, 2025, the Polish Armament Agency signed the first executive contract for the delivery of 111 Borsuk vehicles, valued at approximately EUR 1.53 billion. Deliveries are scheduled between 2025 and 2029, marking the start of long-term serial production.
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Borsuk production will be managed by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), a PGZ subsidiary, within an industrial consortium tasked with manufacturing over 1,400 vehicles in the next ten to fifteen years (Picture source: US DoD)

On July 16, 2025, American manufacturer Allison Transmission formalized the order for its 3040 MX cross-drive transmissions to power the Borsuk’s drivetrain. This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023 between Allison and the Polish defense group Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), covering cooperation on tracked vehicle programs and the expansion of Allison’s authorized service network in Poland. For Allison, this partnership reflects its engagement in supporting Polish defense initiatives with proven technical solutions.

The 3040 MX transmission, based on the well-established X300 propulsion system, incorporates enhancements designed to optimize the performance of medium tracked vehicles. Already used in Swedish CV90s and British Warriors for over thirty years, this technology has demonstrated its operational relevance in Europe. The 3040 MX features high-speed reverse capability, integrated steering, improved acceleration, and increased fuel efficiency. It also offers reinforced reliability and advanced electronic controls with integrated diagnostics to enhance operational availability.

Borsuk production will be managed by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), a PGZ subsidiary, within an industrial consortium tasked with manufacturing over 1,400 vehicles in the next ten to fifteen years. Designed to replace the Soviet-era BWP-1, the Borsuk is a 30-ton amphibious IFV accommodating a crew of three and a squad of six infantrymen. It delivers substantial mobility on land and water, powered by the MTU 8V199 TE20 diesel engine generating 720 horsepower, paired with the Allison 3040 MX transmission. The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 65 km/h on roads and 8 km/h in water thanks to its hydrojets, with an operational range of 550 km. Its Armox 500T steel chassis features a modular architecture, providing STANAG 4569 Level IV frontal protection and Level III on the sides, with anti-mine protection levels IIIa and IIIb.

The Borsuk is equipped with the remotely operated ZSSW-30 turret, integrating a 30mm Bushmaster Mk44S cannon, a 7.62mm UKM-2000C coaxial machine gun, and two Spike-LR anti-tank missiles. The fire control system, developed by WB Group, enables firing on the move and rapid target acquisition in hunter-killer mode. The vehicle also includes the Obra-3 soft-kill active protection system, a panoramic observation system (SOD) with multispectral cameras, and a pressurized interior providing complete NBC protection. Its modular design supports a variety of specialized variants, including command, NBC reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and indirect fire support, establishing the Borsuk program as a key element in the modernization of Poland’s mechanized forces.

The framework agreement signed in February 2023 outlined the acquisition of 1,400 units, contingent on the successful completion of development and testing phases initiated in 2017. The March 2025 production contract for the first 111 units initiated the industrial ramp-up, with initial deliveries expected by the end of the year.

In conclusion, the selection of the Allison 3040 MX transmission represents a critical step in the consolidation of the Borsuk program, combining Polish industrial expertise with established American propulsion technology. This approach aims to equip the Polish Armed Forces with a combat vehicle capable of meeting contemporary operational requirements, both on land and in amphibious environments, while incorporating advanced standards in protection, mobility, and network-centric warfare.