Poland’s General Staff has endorsed a U.S. proposal to transfer approximately 250 surplus Stryker armored vehicles for a symbolic payment of one dollar, sourced from American units stationed in Europe. The move aims to rapidly fill capability gaps created by donations to Ukraine and ongoing modernization efforts, while strengthening U.S.–Polish defense cooperation along NATO’s eastern frontier.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that Poland is advancing toward the agreement, as reported by Polskie Radio. The Strykers—redeployed from U.S. forces in Europe as Washington reduces its regional presence—will undergo technical evaluation and refurbishment prior to handover, enabling Poland to reinforce its mechanized brigades without lengthy overseas transport timelines.
The Stryker M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle, derived from the Canadian LAV III and Swiss Piranha III platforms, supports a brigade-level deployment within 96 hours. Designed to carry nine infantry troops plus two crew members, and measuring 6.95 m by 2.72 m, it is compatible with major airlifters including the C-17, C-5, and in certain configurations, the C-130. Widely exported, including recent deliveries to Colombia, Thailand, and over 100 vehicles supplied to Ukraine since 2023, the platform is prized for strategic mobility.
Armament centers on the remotely operated M151 Protector station, configured for 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm machine guns or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, with full stabilization and Detached Line of Sight capability for accurate firing on the move. Newer CROWS-J variants integrate a Javelin missile launcher with a 2.5 km engagement range, extending the vehicle’s utility from troop transport to anti-armor combat.
