STV Machinery has begun manufacturing BMP-1 combat vehicle hulls in Slovakia
16/12/2025 - STV GROUP, a sister company of STV INVEST holding, is expanding its production capabilities in the field of heavy combat equipment.
STV Machinery has signed a contract for the serial production of armoured hulls for BMP-1 combat vehicles, scheduled for 2026–2027. The project is one of the most significant defence contracts in the company's modern history.
"The start of production of complete combat vehicle hulls is a major milestone for us. With this new contract for serial production, we are entering a new phase – we are once again producing complete heavy combat equipment from the first part through to the final product. This step represents a strategic return to the roots of Dubnica's engineering and arms production. At the same time, we are strengthening synergies within the STV Group and expanding our defence portfolio," said Mário Chudý, CEO of STV Machinery.
The production of combat equipment is thus symbolically returning to a place with a deep industrial tradition. It was in Dubnica nad Váhom that the turrets and hulls of combat vehicles were manufactured in the past, and the city was one of the most important centres of heavy engineering in what was then Czechoslovakia. The project now contributes to further strengthening European defence capabilities, the development of domestic industry, and the long-term stability of STV Group's production plants.
From prototype to series production
The development of the new BMP-1 combat vehicle hull began a year ago at the request of the sister company STV GROUP in Polička, which brought its many years of experience in the repair and modernisation of military equipment to the project. STV Machinery, on the other hand, capitalised on the production and technological know-how gained, among other things, in the production of ZUZANA self-propelled howitzer turrets. The BMP-1 vehicle is based on the proven BVP-1 design, which the company modified to meet current ergonomic and materials requirements. The project included the complete digitisation of the design, the definition of the materials used, and the development of new production documentation and welding fixtures. Compared to the original vehicles, the new hulls will be made of modern armour materials used in the current production of Western-type armoured vehicles. The result is a fully functional prototype that has already undergone test drives and met all expectations. The successful completion of the prototype led to the acquisition of a new strategic customer from abroad and paved the way for series production. The planned future capacity is 100 vehicles per year.
Investment in modern technologies
The start of serial production is also linked to a significant investment in a robotic welding workplace from the Austrian company IGM Robotersysteme. The new workplace, scheduled for installation in March 2026, will enable the welding of large-scale structures with high precision, repeatability, and productivity. Other investments include modern laser material cutting and CNC press brakes. These investments further strengthen STV Machinery's technological level and prepare the company for further expansion of heavy military equipment production.
STV Machinery
STV Machinery, which became part of STV INVEST in 2024, operates on the premises of the former ZŤS Dubnica nad Váhom, where arms production was brought in 1937 by Škodovka from Plzeň. It builds on decades of know-how in arms production. It uses modern technologies for cutting materials, welding, machining, and producing large weldments. In recent years, it has played a significant role in the production of superstructures for ZUZANA 2 self-propelled howitzers, supplying dozens of units to the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic and Ukraine. It also cooperates with leading foreign partners, including BAE Systems and the Israeli company ELTA.
STV INVEST Group
The STV INVEST Group is a leading Czech group operating in the defence and civil industries with a tradition dating back to 1920. It is the only manufacturer of large-calibre ammunition in the Czech Republic. It specialises in the development and production of ammunition, the modernisation of military technology, and other industrial solutions. Revenues in 2025 will exceed CZK 24 billion (in 2024: CZK 14.7 billion). It employs more than 1,400 people and operates production plants in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Press release available for download below.
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