Industry
How Many ZSSW-30 Turrets Are Produced Annually?
Photo. WB Group
The ZSSW-30 unmanned turrets are already being procured by the Ministry of National Defence (MON). According to representatives of WB Group, a member of the consortium manufacturing these turrets, if more vehicles intended to mount them were ordered, the scale of these procurements could significantly increase.
Currently, the consortium is awaiting orders for additional Rosomak vehicles, which will be equipped with ZSSW-30 turrets, as well as the first order for the Borsuk tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The former is expected to create demand for at least several dozen new turrets, potentially rising to several hundred. Meanwhile, the initial order for the Borsuk IFV is anticipated to include over 100 vehicles under the first executive agreement (the framework agreement envisions 1,014 Borsuk IFVs). This will likely cover two battalions (58 + 58 vehicles) plus some additional units for training purposes.
Adam Bartosiewicz, Vice President of WB Group, revealed that ZSSW-30 turrets are currently being produced at a rate of approximately five units per month. He characterized this as a high production rate compared to similar projects worldwide. However, this equates to an annual output of 60 turrets, sufficient to equip one mechanized battalion plus two extra vehicles.
Given that Poland plans to retire its remaining obsolete BWP-1 vehicles and replace them with 1,014 Borsuk IFVs, this translates to 20 years of production and deployment for the new vehicles, excluding the Rosomaks. Nevertheless, WB Group deit is organizationally prepared to increase turret production to as many as 15 units per month. This would shorten the entire process to around seven years and enable the supply of turrets for three mechanized or motorized battalions annually.
However, this depends on various factors, primarily the capacity of Poland’s defence industry to deliver the base vehicles (Rosomaks and Borsuks) each year. “The turrets are already being mass-produced, and Arex has organized production to achieve about five units per month. Ultimately, we could triple this annual output, but we need to be cautious with investments because the final number of turrets required remains uncertain,” said Vice President Bartosiewicz. He added that WB Group aims to secure stable, steady orders without interruptions or sudden production surges.