Slovakia’s STV Machinery Produces Two Prototypes of New BMP-1 Hull

Slovak company STV Machinery is preparing for serial production of new armored hulls for BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles.

The Future Army publication reported this.

The first several dozen hulls are planned for production in 2026-2027.

STV Machinery has already produced two prototypes. The first was intended for testing final assembly and weapons installation, while the second is being used for physical and load testing.

The company operates at the site of the former ZŤS defense plant in Dubnica nad Váhom. During the Czechoslovak era, Soviet BMP-1 and BMP-2 vehicles were produced there.

Development of the new hull began in 2024 at the request of Czech company STV Group. As part of the project, the companies fully digitized the design, prepared new production documentation and developed welding equipment.

The new hull was created based on the BMP-1 design, which remains widespread around the world, but was adapted to modern requirements. In particular, the manufacturer plans to use modern armor materials used in Western armored combat vehicles.

“We are currently actively preparing for serial production of the first several dozen units,” said Pavel Beran, director of special projects at STV Group.

The company is also developing vehicles for different powerplant configurations. Customers will be able to choose between different engines, including powerplants manufactured in the West.

At the same time, STV Group does not disclose information about potential customers for the new vehicles. According to Beran, the company does not disclose details about specific customers or contract terms for security reasons and due to commercial confidentiality.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that Slovak company STV Machinery had already received its first order from a foreign customer for serial production of BMP-1 hulls.