“WE'VE GOT IT!”
These words, spoken by Major General Dr. Krzysztof Stańczyk, officially opened the 6th edition of the GROTowisko 2026 conference — an annual event organized by the Polish Territorial Defence Forces Command in cooperation with Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" – Radom, focusing on the MSBS GROT Modular Small Arms System and other firearms currently used by the Polish Territorial Defence Forces. So, what was showcased during this year's edition?
MSBS GROT A3
The fourth generation of the Polish rifle platform was first unveiled during the MSPO defence exhibition in Kielce in 2023, while the contract officially launching procurement of this variant was signed just a few weeks ago. This means not only the delivery of the new variant to soldiers, but also the beginning of extensive field testing by the end users for whom the rifle was designed. By the end of the year, 16,300 upgraded rifles are scheduled to be delivered to the Territorial Defence Forces, with another 64,000 destined for the Polish Ministry of National Defence.
Compared to the A2 variant, the rifle incorporates several noticeable and less obvious improvements. The easiest one to spot is the replacement of the original polymer stock with a folding adapter featuring a buffer tube and a standard AR-15 stock (which will also soon be offered by Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" – Radom), allowing users to install the vast majority of commercially available AR-pattern stocks.
Other changes include a redesigned handguard with a reduced diameter for improved ergonomics and lower weight, a re-engineered bolt carrier assembly, and a fire selector featuring 45-degree travel for semi-automatic fire and 90-degree travel for full-automatic fire, resulting in a total selector movement of 135 degrees, a solution that has received positive feedback from users. With the exception of the new stock module, all of these upgrades have also been incorporated into the bullpup variant, which has likewise been updated to the A3 standard.
MSBS GROT A3 lower receiver featuring the new 0-45-135-degree selector (A2 markings shown)
The compact carbine variant, which is currently undergoing certification procedures, will also receive all of the above improvements, while its barrel length has been increased from 10.5 inches to 11 inches.
Alongside the fourth-generation rifles, the 40 mm under-barrel grenade launchers, originally introduced in 2024, have also been updated. Dedicated versions are now available for both the standard and bullpup rifle variants, as well as a stand-alone module allowing the grenade launcher to be operated independently.
New GROT A2 QD-MAX Mk.1 Suppressor
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a dedicated suppressor for the MSBS GROT. The suppressor was developed by Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" – Radom in cooperation with Borimex, making it both designed and, more importantly, manufactured in Poland. The suppressor utilizes a flow-through design that significantly reduces back pressure, while its internal structure is laser welded into a monolithic assembly resistant to thermal stress.
In addition to the suppressor itself, a dedicated QDB A2 Mk.I quick-detach mounting system was introduced. It allows the suppressor to be attached to a mount threaded over the standard NATO A2 "Birdcage" flash hider. At present, two versions of the GROT Suppressor A2 QD-MAX Mk.1 have been revealed, available in L and XL lengths, differing in the number of internal baffles. Both are currently chambered for 5.56 mm, although development of a 7.62 mm version is already underway.
Alongside the presentation of the dedicated suppressors, attendees were shown an analysis of suppressor use within the Polish Armed Forces, covering the characteristics of various existing suppressor designs, their applications, advantages and disadvantages, as well as demonstrations of weapon signatures in both the thermal and infrared spectrum.
Major General Dr. Krzysztof Stańczyk (Commander of the Territorial Defence Forces) presenting the proposed MSBS GROT A3 configuration equipped with the new suppressor
When asked about the future development of the platform, Major General Dr. Krzysztof Stańczyk, Commander of the Territorial Defence Forces, emphasized that the A2 variant is not being replaced by the newer A3. Both versions will continue to be issued to WOT units, although older A2 rifles will gradually be transferred to reserve stocks. Development of the bullpup variants is also continuing, with these rifles — alongside the new 11-inch compact carbine — being considered for vehicle crews, drivers, tank crews, and other personnel requiring a more compact weapon.
It was also revealed that the long-term goal is to issue complete weapon systems consisting of a rifle + optic + suppressor as standard equipment. Work on selecting the future optic is already underway, and it was hinted that it will come from an as-yet unnamed Polish manufacturer. Alongside the currently fielded HWS/EOTech sights and other optics, both conventional red dot sights and holographic sights manufactured in Poland may soon enter service.
The President of Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" in Radom, Seweryn Figurski, was also asked about the 9 mm version of the GROT platform, currently known as the MPM (eng. Modular Submachine Gun). He explained that its future depends largely on customer demand and operational requirements. No timeline for its official unveiling has yet been announced.
Modular Semi-Automatic Pistol
The Polish MPS (eng. Modular Semi-Automatic Pistol), first presented during MSPO 2023, has since entered both the civilian and professional markets. Since its debut, several upgrades have further demonstrated the modular nature of the platform. These include new Army-style grip modules featuring a revised grip angle, more aggressive texture, interchangeable side panels available in various sizes, as well as BASIC and BASIC+ versions with either an extended beavertail or a standard profile. These grip modules are already commercially available for existing MPS owners.
Even more interesting was the announcement of additional MPS variants, including Full Size, Tactical, and SubCompact models featuring different slide lengths and grip sizes. During a press briefing, Seweryn Figurski, President of Fabryka Broni "Łucznik", confirmed that the company's strategy remains unchanged — the new Full Size, Tactical, and SubCompact variants will first be introduced to the civilian market. Their official debut may take place during this year's MSPO exhibition in Kielce, although everything depends on the progress of development and the factory's production capacity to ensure market availability shortly after launch. Potential buyers will also be pleased to hear that the expected retail price should remain very close to that of the currently available models.
Major General Dr. Krzysztof Stańczyk also emphasized that, although the VIS-100 remains the standard sidearm of the Polish Armed Forces, it will eventually be complemented by the MPS platform, which is also expected to enter military service. This, in turn, will allow the aging P-83 pistols to be gradually transferred into reserve stocks.
Asked about the future of Fabryka Broni "Łucznik", President Seweryn Figurski highlighted the company's intention to become much more active on the civilian market through expanded production facilities and increased manufacturing capacity. He also expressed the ambition to pursue independent international contracts as well as larger government-supported export programs.
Photos: Grzegorz Woźnica
