- Plans are afoot for the Czech Army to ditch its Pandur II armoured personnel carriers for a new 8×8 platform
- The Czech Army has experienced maintenance difficulties with the Pandur II, which was first introduced in 2010
- A feasibility study is exploring options, which will likely include the Boxer 8×8 as well as options like the Patria AMV
Problems with the Pandur II in Czech service include poor availability, with the vehicle software also still based on Windows 98. These issues have been compounded by the initial decision by the Czech Army not to initiate a fleet maintenance programme for the new Pandur IIs early on in their service.
A feasibility study with defence providers was completed around one month ago, with new recommendations to be put to the Czech Government in the coming months. It is thought that a procurement programme could deliver the wheeled armoured vehicles in the 2029-30 timeline.
It is understood the intent is that the Pandur replacement should offer significant improvements in capability as well as easing the maintenance burden.
The Czech Army received a total of 107 Pandur II 8×8 vehicles, mainly through General Dynamics European Land Systems, replacing around 180 of the Russian-origin BMP-2 armoured personnel carriers.
Czech Army: revamps of an armoured force
While the options for the Czech Republic’s 8×8 requirement have not been publicly disclosed, it is thought likely that platforms like the pan-European Boxer 8×8 will be in the mix, with its proven form and multiple modules able to integrate different capabilities depending on requirements.
The Finnish Patria AMV 8×8 could also be a contender, as could the company’s smaller CAVS 6×6 solution, should cost be a factor.
The new 8×8 platform, once integrated, will complement the development of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade’s (4RDB) two armoured battalions, as one light motorised battalion.
The 4RDB is also undergoing a restructure that will bring logistics, medical, and potentially air defence units within the brigade’s existing command, in a bid to generate a more deployable and integrated force.
In recent years, the Czech Army agreed deals for Leopard 2A4 and Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks to bolster existing units and replace Russian-origin equipment, as well the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), a type that is becoming increasingly prevalent across Europe’s land forces.
According to intelligence firm GlobalData, the Czech Republic’s defence expenditure is anticipated to reach $7.7bn in 2028, at an annual growth rate of over 9% over the previous five-year period.
