Poland is considering the acceptance of roughly 250 used Stryker armored vehicles offered by the United States for a symbolic price of $1, as Warsaw seeks to rapidly strengthen its land forces amid rising security threats.
The vehicles would likely come from US units already deployed in Europe rather than being transported back to the United States.
However, the transfer must follow the foreign military sales process, and the arrangement “is not connected to US force posture in Europe,” a US Army Europe spokesperson clarified.
Manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, the 8×8 wheeled Strykers will undergo technical evaluations by the Polish military to assess their condition, potential roles, and required refurbishment.
Despite the nominal cost, the prospective deal presents major challenges.
Poland will need to repair and modernize the vehicles, while also building new supply chains and training systems, as the Stryker has never been operated by its forces.
Defense analysts have cautioned that the expense of repairs and long-term maintenance could be significant, Polish Radio noted.
Concerns have also been raised within Polish industry, as the arrival of Strykers may diminish demand for the domestically produced Rosomak 8×8 armored vehicle, which fulfills similar transport and combat missions.
Polish defense leaders argue that the offer remains attractive given the deteriorating security environment and the urgent need to expand the army’s ground vehicle inventory, especially as older systems are retired or transferred to Ukraine.
Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz added that acquiring additional vehicle types will improve NATO interoperability, as many allied forces already operate Strykers.
A final decision is expected in the latter half of 2026, dependent on the results of technical assessments and the broader security outlook, according to the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces.
