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.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Aselsan has started producing Akkor active protection system for Altay tank]()
Aselsan has started producing Akkor active protection system for Altay tank
Akkor is an active protection system (APS) developed by Aselsan, equipped with both hard- and soft-kill functionalities. It provides protection against antitank missiles and rockets for armoured vehicles and is designed for Turkey’s Leopard and Altay tanks.
-
![Fering Pioneer X moves towards production]()
Fering Pioneer X moves towards production
The Pioneer X long-range vehicle has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,500kg, of which 1,850kg is payload and the lightweight carbon chassis can be fitted with various top modules to suit requirements. In addition, there is the potential for a 6x6 version with increased volume and payload.
-
![NP Aerospace brings life to Jankel as others eye it as Land Mobility Programme partner]()
NP Aerospace brings life to Jankel as others eye it as Land Mobility Programme partner
NP Aerospace took over Jankel’s contract to supply and support Belgium’s Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV) fleet after acquiring Jankel Armouring’s assets.
-
![Lessons from Ukraine are complex, say forces’ leaders]()
Lessons from Ukraine are complex, say forces’ leaders
The Ukraine war has provided impactful videos on social media, namely the sight of small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) bombing or attacking vehicles and soldiers. This has, however, been overstated and the basics of warfare and effects remain unchanged, according to leading military personnel.
-
![Thales targets requirements with Xtraim digital weapon sight and reveals that thousands have already been sold]()
Thales targets requirements with Xtraim digital weapon sight and reveals that thousands have already been sold
The sight can be used by soldiers wearing night-vision goggles if required and has an all-in-one architecture that combines conventional red-dot and thermal imaging technologies.
-
![US Army to launch hunt for new artillery]()
US Army to launch hunt for new artillery
The search will look at existing artillery with an acknowledgement that a large part of the effect from the weapons comes from the munitions used.
