Mariusz Błaszczak approved the framework agreement in the southeastern city of Stalowa Wola on Tuesday, the interia.pl website reported.
The deal was struck between Poland’s Armaments Agency (AU) and a consortium made up of the state-run Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and its subsidiary Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW).
Polish arms industry's 'biggest manufacturing project' in 50 years
Błaszczak told reporters afterwards: “What has just happened is the order for 1,4000 Borsuk (Badger) infantry fighting vehicles. It’s the biggest manufacturing project for the Polish arms industry in 50 years.”
He said: “HSW is a company that produces modern, tried and tested weaponry.”
Błaszczak, who is also a deputy prime minister, announced: “Polish soldiers will receive the first batch of these vehicles this year. I’m counting on a fast delivery of these IFVs to the Polish army.”
He added: “We are modernising the Polish army and we are doing it very fast. We are acquiring modern weapons, compatible with the equipment used by allied forces.”
Błaszczak declared: “We are seeking to deter the aggressor, and so the Polish army is expanding on a large scale.”
He said the government was launching a new information campaign, entitled #Modern Army #Secure Poland, to raise public awareness about policies to boost the country’s security.
Borsuk IFV
Equipped with a remote controlled turret system and a Bushmaster Mk.44S gun, the Borsuk is an amphibious IFV designed to carry six soldiers to the battlefield zone. It is capable of fighting against infantry, armoured vehicles and airborne targets, according to officials.
Tuesday’s deal also includes delivery of specialist vehicles based on the so-called universal modular tracked platform, the defence ministry said in a statement.
Tuesday is day 370 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: tvp.info, interia.pl