Poland Plans $21 Billion Replacement of Soviet-Legacy IFV Fleet

WARSAW --- The Polish government is planning a sweeping PLN80 billion ($21 billion) overhaul of its existing infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) fleet which will see the Polish Land Forces existing BWP-1 and BWP-2 inventories replaced with new tracked successors. 

These vehicles are Polish-built variants of the Soviet-designed BMP-1 and BMP-2. The Polish Land Forces currently have around 1,000 BWPs in their operational vehicle inventory and the Defense Ministry had earlier set phase-out dates for the fleet for the period between 2018 and 2021. 

Various options for moving forward on the ambitious project are being considered by Poland, including a partnership with the Czech Republic that would see both countries procure IFVs jointly so as to lessen the overall price tag. 

Another includes using the license for South Korea's K-9 self-propelled howitzer chassis, which was acquired by local Huta Stalowa Wola for its Krab 155mm SP howitzer.