Błaszczak on Monday attended field tests for the domestically produced Borsuk (Badger) infantry fighting vehicle at the Wierzbiny training site in Poland's northeastern Warmińsko-Mazurskie province, state news agency PAP reported.
He told reporters: "Next year, after what I believe will be a successful completion of the tests, we will sign a framework agreement with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and Huta Stalowa Wola for the mass production of the Badger infantry fighting vehicle."
Błaszczak, who is also a Polish deputy prime minister, said the government was working to "replace worn-out equipment used so far with modern munitions as soon as possible."
He stressed that the new weaponry would be produced domestically.
He said: "We are proud of this. We always approach the Polish arms industry with orders first. If only the weapons the Polish army needs can be produced domestically, we place orders with manufacturers inside the country."
He declared that ongoing efforts to expand and modernize the Polish armed forces were designed to "effectively deter a potential aggressor."
Błaszczak told reporters: "This process is intended to develop the Polish army as soon as possible in cooperation with our allies, primarily the United States, but also other countries whose soldiers are stationed in Poland, in order to strengthen NATO's eastern flank."
He added that Polish troops were being provided with modern equipment to ensure interoperability with NATO allies.
The Polish defence ministry said in a tweet that the IFV Badger "is a modern tracked vehicle intended for mechanized infantry units."
It added that "the vehicle is capable of transporting six soldiers in the landing compartment to the battlefield."
A consortium of domestic producers led by Huta Stalowa Wola is responsible for the project, according to the Polish defence ministry.
The planned deal marks another step in Poland’s efforts to strengthen its armed forces amid Russia's war in Ukraine, officials said.
Monday was day 264 of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP
