The introduction of increasingly advanced autonomous technologies into military systems is one of the most important directions in the modernization of armed forces. In Poland, STEKOP S.A. has been involved in this field for over eight years, participating in consortia developing unmanned and optionally manned-unmanned vehicles. The latest outcome of this work is the BLUSZCZ Scatterable Mine-Laying Vehicle – a system designed for the automated deployment of minefields without exposing soldiers to risk.
– The development of autonomous technologies is a long-term process that requires consistency and strong engagement from engineering teams, but it is an effort that is fully justified. Today, autonomous military systems have a major impact on the operational capabilities of armed forces. They reduce risks for soldiers, increase the speed of operations, and enable missions in conditions that were previously too dangerous – says Dr. Eng. Marek Nowakowski, Director of the Technology Department at STEKOP S.A.
From Perun to TAERO
One of the first projects in which STEKOP S.A. developed competencies in autonomy and remote control was Perun – an autonomous wheeled vehicle designed for reconnaissance and combat tasks. The system was developed in cooperation with Zakłady Mechaniczne “Tarnów” and the Military University of Technology.
In its initial phase, Perun was equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station (ZSMU A3C) with either a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, as well as deterrence systems. Later, the platform was integrated with the Pirat anti-tank guided missile.
Another important step was the TAERO project, developed by the Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology, STEKOP S.A., AutoPodlasie, and AP Solutions. TAERO is a high-mobility optionally manned-unmanned vehicle that combines conventional driving with remote operation in high-risk environments. It can be used, among other things, for transporting ammunition and equipment, and its design has been approved for use on public roads.
The vehicle has a range of up to 400 km on a single tank and can be deployed from a helicopter. Its hybrid propulsion system combines a 96 kW diesel engine with a 50 kW electric motor, enabling silent operation—harder to detect on the battlefield—for distances of up to 30 km. A key component of the project is the Central Vehicle Control System (CSSP) developed by STEKOP, which allows an operator to remotely define routes and control the vehicle from a safe distance.
BLUSZCZ: scatterable mining without a crew
The experience gained from projects such as Perun and TAERO has been directly applied in the BLUSZCZ Scatterable Mine-Laying Vehicle. The system was developed within a consortium involving the Military Institute of Armored and Automotive Technology, STEKOP S.A., Belma S.A., and the Military Institute of Engineering Technology. BLUSZCZ is an optionally manned-unmanned vehicle capable of automatically creating minefields with minimal human involvement.
The system is based on a modified TAERO platform. Despite its advanced equipment, the total weight does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, which, combined with a 4×4 drive system, ensures high mobility in difficult terrain. The system uses MN-123 anti-tank mines manufactured by Belma S.A., capable of penetrating armor over 60 mm thick. The combat module is based on a solution known from the Baobab-K system and consists of a launcher with twenty mine cassettes, each containing five mines.
Control that defines autonomy
The key difference between BLUSZCZ and previous mining systems is the use of an enhanced Central Vehicle Control System.
– The Central Vehicle Control System has been designed as a multi-mode solution, allowing flexible transitions from full operator control to autonomous operation, depending on mission conditions and threat levels – explains Dr. Eng. Marek Nowakowski.
In remote mode, the vehicle remains under the direct control of an operator located in a safe zone. The CSSP also allows routes to be recorded and later replayed automatically. The most advanced option is fully autonomous mode, in which BLUSZCZ independently executes a programmed route, avoids obstacles, and adjusts speed to terrain conditions using navigation and environmental analysis algorithms. – In this mode, the operator’s role is limited to planning the mission and supervising its execution, without the need for real-time control – adds Nowakowski.
Mines controlled by data and algorithms
The system enables precise programming of minefield density and automatically records the coordinates of each deployed mine. This data is transmitted to higher-level command systems, facilitating operational planning and significantly reducing the time required for demining operations.
BLUSZCZ can also operate as a support vehicle, cooperating with units equipped with infantry fighting vehicles or armored personnel carriers. In such scenarios, it enables rapid deployment of mine barriers—for example, during retreat maneuvers—without exposing personnel to direct threats.
Autonomy development is an ongoing process
Projects carried out with significant involvement from STEKOP S.A. experts demonstrate the continuous advancement of autonomous military technologies in Poland. BLUSZCZ represents another step forward in combining innovations in mobility, automation, and combat system integration. The company has announced further improvements to its solutions, suggesting that more Polish innovations in the defense sector can be expected in the near future.
