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BMP-1 / BWP-1 [Bojowy Woz Piechoty]

In 1991 Poland had 1,409 fully amphibious BMP-1 armored personnel carriers and sixty-two BMP-2 carriers. Military Motorization Works No. 5 licence built 274 by the end of 1988 in addition to the 1406 ordered from Russia in 1969.

The 1999 Wojskowe Zaklady Motoryzacyjne Nr. 5 (WZM Nr. 5) program in Poznan led to the development of a new unmanned turret. The first prototype was tried in 2011. Four mechanized battalions were to have it from 2012, but this vehicle did not enter production. The BWP-1M “Puma 1” (M for Modernizacja=Modernization) – Polish modernization of their BWP-1. It included new sighting equipment, 81mm shrapnel grenade launchers, communications (internal & external) fire suppression, improved amphibious capability and in 2005 Puma vehicles received a new Iveco engine. The Puma was used to mount a number of various turrets as prototypes.

In addition 22 BWR-1D (BRM-1K) reconnaissance vehicles were purchased in 1987, plus 16 modernized BWR-1S reconnaissance vehicles from the Czech Republic (early 1990s). The BWR-1S were used by the 18th Reconnaissance Battalion (16th Mechanized Division, Elblag), and 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment (Hrubieszów).

The BMPs were considered the only world-class armored vehicles in the Polish Army (although the BMP-1 had been in service since the early 1960s). BWP-1 [stands for Bojowy Wóz Piechoty - Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Warsaw Pact designation BMP-1M) is one of the most popular infantry fighting vehicles. Deployed in multiple countries is still heavily exploited thanks to its good combat performance and operational advantages. With probably lowest visual (vertical) signature and large troop (assault) compartment, good off-road performance will retain in many armies for long time, though, problems with its obsolete systems and service support (spares availability) may cause troubles for its users.

Cenrex and its partners strive to provide Polish Armed Forces, NATO members and coalition forces with equipment that would give them operational advantages:

• AGILITY – achieved through installation of new optronic systems - readiness for day-night operations, increased battlefield awareness and force management – new communications systems, possible integration within command and control, option for new turret system; increased water-breaching (swimming) capabilities;
• SURVIVABILITY – complete NBC sensors package, new elements for armouring of sensitive areas, threats awareness with new LWS - laser irradiation warning (detection) systems and optional integrated battlefield awareness system that combines LWS and sniper fire detection and location (as .50 calibre rifles are threat to both vehicle and troops it carries after dismounting) for urban warfare environments
• INTEROPERABILITY – within national forces and coalition operations thanks to new communications;
• MAINTAINABILITY – new elements added keeping in mind service support
• MOBILITY - to increase off-road capabilities, enable drive on public roads for fast redeployment and urban operations, increase water-breaching capabilities also for amphibious operations

BWP-1 (BMP-1M) upgrade to the PUMA standard embraces: Replacement of engine and associated parts with advanced PowerPack type unit giving capability for fast maintenance and if necessary replacement in field conditions with basic service tools;

• implementation of fast connectors instead of old mechanical joints so exchange of PowerPack unit filled with mechanical fluids is possible (without refilling)
• weight of complete PowerPack – 1672 kg;
• time required for exchange – approx. 2 hours;
• new, independent heating module for crew compartment, engine and fuel;
• mounting of tracks shoes on modernized tracks giving the ability to drive on public road without damaging its surfaces ( approx. lifetime 2500 km and 10,000 km overall lifetime of modernized tracks)

Poland planned to replace its BWP-1 with BWP-2 (BMP-2 and BMP-2D); but, because of financial constraints did not immediately do so. As of 2013 the planned withdrawal of over 350 Polish T-72 main battle tanks (introduced in 1979 and manufactured under licence in Poland between 1981 and 1991) and over 1,100 BWP-1 IFVs (introduced in 1973, with the last delivered in 1988) was scheduled to start in 2018 and finish in 2021.