STV Machinery company (based in Slovakia and is subsidiary of STV Group, part of STV Invest holding) actively prepares for serial production of first dozens of BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle hulls, as reported by STV Group special projects director Pavel Beran.
According to him, currently two new BMP-1 hull prototypes were built at enterprise, one is used for final assembly and weapons system equipping testing, while second is designated for physical and stress tests. Slovak publication Future Army reports this.
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Slovakia-manufactured BMP-1 hull prototype / Photo credit: STV Machinery
BMP-1 hull development in Slovakia started in 2024 — overall they are similar to original hulls but were redesigned to meet NATO requirements for ergonomics and materials, specifically involving improved armor protection thanks to modern materials. Contract signing occurred late last year. Meaning overall this involves period of 8 months from contract conclusion and approximately two years from work start for building first prototypes.
For customers of Slovakia-built BMP-1s, option of choosing powerplant for this vehicle will be available — this will be several engine types including Western-manufactured powerplants, as well as other partial technical improvements, Beran noted.
Photo: STV Machinery – STV Machinery
Who is customer for Slovak BMP-1 hulls still remains secret — Beran refused to disclose this information to publication citing security and business ethics reasons, and also to report any other agreement condition details — so production volume data is also unknown, but previously reported were possible future rates of 100 vehicles annually.
Previously Defense Express assumed quite probably secret buyer of Slovakia-manufactured BMP-1 hulls could quite be Ukraine, as variant this may involve supplying ready BMP-1 without turret.
Moreover, Beran emphasized STV Machinery handles hull and other component production, while STV Group will conduct full vehicle assembly and testing. At same time, question exists regarding how relevant such procurement is, since this still involves obsolete vehicle and more rational is re-equipping with newer Western IFVs.