COVID-related production problems prompt Poles to pick alternative Honker replacement
The Polish MoD is buying Ford Ranger XLT vehicles for the army to replace a fleet of Honker 4x4 off-road vehicles, after a previous deal with Nissan fell through.
A total of 485 vehicles will be provided with an option for 163 more. Deliveries will begin this year, for completion by 2022.
‘Originally, the contract assumed the purchase of Nissan Navara cars,’ the Polish government announced in a statement on 1 July.
‘However, in Spain, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the factory was closed, which was the only one to produce the vehicle model ordered by the Polish Army earlier on the European market.’
As finding a replacement for the Honkers is a priority for the MoD, it felt the need to find a new vendor quickly. The ministry was able to ‘reduce the unit price of the vehicle while maintaining the same quality and parameters’, the government stated.
It added that financial savings from the latest contract negotiations will be used to buy 13 additional vehicles, the government stated.
The Ford Ranger XLT (pictured) has similar technical specifications to the Nissan Navara, although it is slightly longer and has a larger trunk capacity.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem]()
March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem
The attack by the US and Israel on Iran which began at the end of February presented a Ukraine-like scenario of drone-led warfare – in fact the same drone type in the Shahed – and the problem of how to counter them.
-
![New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities]()
New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities
The Canadian defence department has outlined major investments in ISR solutions, small arms and ammunition production capabilities as the country pushes for greater self-reliance to bolster its forces and its supply chain.
-
![The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners]()
The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
-
![France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower]()
France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower
The proposed enhancements could better position the French Army’s armoured infantry fighting vehicle for future export campaigns.
-
![US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up]()
US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up
The US Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-METT) programme is planned to provide a platform between Increment II of Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport and the Palletized Load System.
