Poland shows Ratel heavy infantry fighting vehicle — 42 tons of armor and room for growth

Not just an infantry fighting vehicle, but an armored fist

The Polish defense company Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) presented the details of the new Ratel heavy infantry fighting vehicle. This is not just another light amphibious armored car — it is a serious vehicle designed to survive in the harshest conditions. Its combat weight is 42 tons, and the maximum is up to 48. Such figures speak for themselves: this is not just a transport, but a full-fledged participant in the battle.

Ratel was created for the army, which is learning from the war in Ukraine — where survivability and firepower are most important.

42 tons now — up to 48 in the future

Now the car weighs 42 tons, but the design is designed for growth. Up to 48 tons is a reserve for future upgrades: additional active protection, reinforced armor, new fire control systems or electronics. This approach allows you not to redesign the machine from scratch, but simply to increase your capabilities as threats arise.

This is a smart strategy: launch the platform now, and then adapt it to real combat missions.

Tank-level protection, but for infantry

One of the main features of Ratel is its high level of ballistic protection. It meets standards that were previously applied only to main battle tanks. The machine is capable of withstanding heavy machine guns, mine fragments and shells, which is critical in the conditions of a modern battlefield.

The infantry feels safe inside, which means they're ready to fight, not just ride by.

Huta Stalowa Wola relies on modernization

HSW is not just delivering another infantry fighting vehicle. It offers a platform that will last for decades. In an environment where the war is changing rapidly, the ability to upgrade a car is not a whim, but a necessity. Ratel can get new engines, air defense systems, even attack drones — everything that will be needed tomorrow.

Poland is building up its power. And Ratel is not just a part of this strategy, but its face.

Sources

1. War Thunder Wiki — Ratel 90 technical details
2. Topgun.rin.ru — Ratel family specifications
3. World Of Man Dreams — Ratel overview and history
4. Wikipedia — Ratel IFV overview
5. Topwar.ru — modern heavy IFV projects

FNSS presents PARS ALPHA 6×6 at FEINDEF 2025 in Madrid

 

 PARS ALPHA 6×6

The Turkish defense company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş. is preparing to present its new fire support and reconnaissance vehicle, PARS ALPHA 6×6, at the international defense exhibition FEINDEF 2025, which will be held in Madrid.  

This new generation combat vehicle will be demonstrated as part of a complex with a manned Cockerill 3030 turret equipped with a powerful MK44S Bushmaster 30mm cannon, which makes it an effective means of firing at various types of targets. The vehicle has a crew of six people, and its main purpose is to provide fire support and conduct reconnaissance operations in high—intensity combat conditions.

A special feature of the PARS ALPHA 6x6 is its origin from a larger version — PARS ALPHA 8x8, which has already been adopted by the Turkish ground forces and has proven itself as a reliable and mobile platform for various tasks. The new modification retains the key advantages of the series: improved security, maneuverability and situational awareness necessary for modern field conditions.

According to the company, the PARS ALPHA 6x6 has successfully passed a series of field tests under the supervision of the Turkish Ministry of Defense and has been approved as the sole supplier of 6x6 vehicles to the Turkish army as part of the ground forces modernization program. This confirms the confidence in the development both within the country and potential export partners.

In addition, FNSS is actively developing international contracts, including cooperation with the United Arab Emirates to modernize their BMP-3 fleet (615 units), as well as participation in programs of the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asian countries. Participation in FEINDEF 2025 will be an important step in promoting the new platform to the European market.