Poland to Acquire 250 Used US Stryker Vehicles for $1: Report

Poland Accepts US Offer of 250 Stryker Vehicles as Defense Modernization Accelerates

WARSAW — Poland’s Ministry of Defense has agreed to accept 250 used Stryker armored vehicles from the United States for a ceremonial one-dollar payment, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The vehicles, currently stationed in Europe, would be transferred to Poland rather than returned to the United States following American force reductions on the continent.

The Polish general staff has already endorsed the proposal, a critical prerequisite for implementation. Kosiniak-Kamysz explained that the Armed Forces will conduct technical assessments to determine the vehicles’ suitability for training and operational deployment. “After preliminary analysis, we agreed that the military will check their technical condition and assess their suitability for our armed forces,” he stated.

While the nominal cost appears negligible, significant expenses loom. The depleted Strykers require repairs, modernization, and comprehensive support infrastructure development, including training systems for personnel unfamiliar with the platform. These costs could prove substantial, particularly if contracted to foreign firms.

Industry observers note potential implications for Poland’s domestic defense sector. The Stryker acquisition may reduce procurement requirements for domestically-produced alternatives, including the Rosomak infantry fighting vehicle. However, General Wiesław Kukuła, chief of Poland’s general staff, dismissed these concerns, emphasizing that operating diverse equipment enhances interoperability with NATO allies, many of whom field Strykers.

Poland’s land forces face acute shortages of modern armored vehicles. Soviet-era BWP-1 amphibious infantry fighting vehicles, now obsolete, have been further depleted through donations to Ukraine. The Stryker acquisition provides immediate capability while domestic production accelerates.

Simultaneously, Poland demonstrated commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing. On Thursday, Kosiniak-Kamysz officially accepted the first 15 Borsuk amphibious infantry fighting vehicles at Huta Stalowa Wola, marking initial delivery under a March agreement for 111 vehicles valued at $1.81 billion. The Borsuk, equipped with a 30mm Bushmaster cannon and anti-tank missile launchers, represents Poland’s modern armored vehicle platform.

Kosiniak-Kamysz indicated Poland plans additional Borsuk orders, potentially reaching 1,400 vehicles total, including specialized variants for command and chemical operations. He emphasized ambitions to establish Borsuk as a Polish export product, directing diplomatic missions to promote the system internationally beginning in 2026.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764961486232-1210