Czech Armed Forces in the midst of technical modernization

According to the Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD), as of January 1st, 2019 the country’s armed forces’ kept in its inventory the following number of main combat platforms: 116 main battle tanks (MBTs; all versions of T-72), 437 armoured combat vehicles (including all combat versions of infantry fighting vehicles BMP-1, BMP-2, BPzV, Pandur II 8×8 CZ and armoured personnel carriers of Pandur II 8×8, OT-90 and OT-64 types), 179 artillery systems of the 100mm caliber and above (including all versions of howitzers SPGH M77 Dana, mortars SPM 85 and M1982), 36 combat aircraft (all versions of SAAB 39 Gripen and L-159 ALCA) and 17 combat helicopters (all versions of Mi-24 and Mi-35).

In addition, the Czech Armed Forces also keep in its inventory the following number of military equipment: L-39 training aircraft (5), L-410, Jak-40, CL-601 Challenger, A-319 CJ, and CASA C-295M transport and observation aircraft (16), Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-171Sh, and W-3A Sokol unarmed transport helicopters (34), various types of vehicles based on IFVs and armoured personnel carriers (149), BRDM-2, Dingo 2 and IVECO light armoured vehicles (171), armoured medical vehicles (39) and MT-55A armoured vehicle-launched bridges (6).

The Czech Armed Forces have a requirement for new tracked IFVs, armoured personnel carriers, wheeled armoured vehicles, pistols and attack rifles, mobile air defence radars, attack/multipurpose helicopters, self-propelled artillery and mortar systems, CBRN vehicles, short range air-and-missile defence systems, bridge launching vehicles, as well as a number of unnamed aerial vehicles and modernization of country’s T-72M4CZ MBTs. Therefore, during this year’s edition of the International Trade Fair of Defence and Security Technologies (IDET), which was held in Brno at the end of May, a large group of local and foreign companies presented their modernization offers for the Czech Army and Air Force / Picture: Remigiusz Wilk

However, due to a changing nature of today’s battlefield, which requires to operate modern, highly capable and modular weapon systems of all kinds, the Czech Armed Forces are in need of a deep technical modernization, which will significantly improve its operational capabilities and enhance country’s security and safety, especially at a time of high political tension in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region and deterioration of the European and transatlantic security systems in result of the crisis in the Eastern Ukraine.

Back in 2018 the Czech (MoD) outlined a number of strategic modernization programmes, which were to change the posture of the country’s armed forces. Among the most urgent issues, where the acquisition or significant upgrade of: 210 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), 62 TITUS armoured personnel carriers, wheeled armoured vehicles, 20,000 pistols and 14,000 attack rifles, eight mobile air defence radars, attack/multipurpose helicopters, self-propelled artillery and mortar systems, CBRN vehicles, short range air-and-missile defence systems, bridge launching vehicles, as well as a number of unnamed aerial vehicles and modernization of country’s T-72M4CZ MBTs.

Over the past several years the Czech government seemed to neglect the need for constant investment in country’s defensive capabilities, and continuously cut the defence related spending, which in 2014 reached its lowest level of 0,91% of the GDP. Even in 2016, two years after the crisis in Crimea emerged and war in the Eastern Ukraine erupted, irreversibly changing the security system in Europe, Prague spent merely 1,01% of its GDP on defence.

Luckily, this detrimental policy has been lately abandoned and authorities in Prague made a long awaited decision to gradually increase investments in Czech’s security, speeding up the technical modernization of the armed forces as well as boosting recruitment and enhancing training of the troops. In result, the share of defence related expenditure has risen from 1,04% GDP in 2017 to 1,19% GDP in 2019. Furthermore, the country has set a goal increase this rate to 1,4% of GDP by 2020 and 2% by 2024/2025.

‘The main part of (NATO’s) work is done in the member states, in building their defense capabilities so that we are able to defend a member of our alliance should he be attacked’, said the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš at a conference marking the country’s 20th anniversary of joining the alliance, as reported by Reuters in March 2019. ‘That is why our republic has pledged to reach the level of 2% of GDP in defense spending by 2024. Defense spending has been growing each year since 2015 and it will continue to grow’, he added.

The event was dominated by no doubt the largest and most important acquisition programme in the latest Czech’s history, the planned procurement of 210 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, which will replace the currently operated, legacy BMP-1/BMP-2 platforms / Picture: Remigiusz Wilk

Czech MoD’s technical modernization plans have driven attention of a number of local and foreign manufacturers, which intend to offer its products and services in order to help enhance Czech Armed Force’s operational capabilities and the country’s safety. Therefore, during this year edition of the International Trade Fair of Defence and Security Technologies (IDET), which was held in Brno at the end of May, a large group of companies presented their answers to the particular requirements of the Czech Army and Air Force.

The event was dominated by no doubt the largest and most important acquisition programme in the latest Czech’s history, the planned procurement of 210 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, which will replace the currently operated, legacy BMP-1/BMP-2 platforms.

Although the Czech MoD intended to launch the formal procurement of new IFVs for many years, it was not before the late 2017 when the programme picked up the right pace, when the department and the whole government hoped for a quick finalization of the selection process, which would allow for the imminent launch of contract negotiations with the preferred bidder and result in contract signing in early 2018. However, these plans were spoiled by the outcome of the general elections, which took place in Autumn 2017, that resulted in the change of the government.

When the new head of the MoD ordered a wide review of all major procurement programmes launched by his predecessor, modernization efforts lost their pace, which resulted in holding of the planned procurement of new IFVs.

However, after months of stagnation the MoD eventually achieved a long awaited progress, when at the beginning of August 2019 the department announced sending of the request for proposals (RFP) to four manufacturers, which intended to take part in the tender. These included BAE Systems Hägglunds offering the CV90 tracked platform, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) with the ASCOD, Rheinmetall proposing its Lynx as well as Projekt System Management (PSM), joint-venture of Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), offering the Puma vehicle.

The invited manufacturers will have to present their offered platforms to the MoD, proving that they meet all of the requirements of the Czech Army. Furthermore, the companies will have to guarantee that they will keep up with the delivery schedule as well as the estimated budget. Additionally, bidders are also expected to present their plan for providing the buyer with training and technical services as well as provision of spare and repair parts throughout the platform’s whole life-cycle. The plan for partnering with the local industry in the manufacture, delivery and maintenance processes is also required.

The preliminary offers should be submitted to the MoD by early October 2019. Subsequently, they will be evaluated, and selection of candidates for further negotiations will be conducted. In the outcome of this process, manufacturers are expected to improve their offers, especially in regards to the price and performance of the tracked platforms. Then final offers will be filled in, from which the preferred bidder will be chosen.

GDELS offers the Czech Army its renowned and tested ASCOD 2 vehicle, that has already been selected by a number of countries, such as Austria, Great Britain and Spain. The manufacturer assures that the future offer will feature the ASCOD tracked platform coupled with a selected turret system. The vehicle presented by GDELS during the IDET 2019 exhibition in Brno, was integrated with the unmanned UT30MK2 turret from Israeli Elbit Systems. However, GDELS’ representatives assured MILMAG that the platform could very well fit any manned or unmanned turret available on the market, if the Czech Army had such requirement / Picture: Michal Jarocki

GDELS, one of major armoured vehicle manufacturers in Europe, intends to offer the Czech Army its renowned and tested ASCOD 2 vehicle, that has already been selected by a number of countries, such as Austria, Great Britain and Spain, which procured it in regards to their own modernization programmes, like Ulan, Ajax and Pizarro.

The manufacturer assures that its future offer in the IFV tender will feature the ASCOD tracked platform coupled with a selected turret system. The vehicle, which was presented by GDELS during the IDET 2019 exhibition in Brno, was integrated with the unmanned UT30MK2 turret from Israeli Elbit Systems. However, GDELS’ representatives assured MILMAG that the platform could very well fit the manned MT30 system, if the Czech Army had such requirement.

GDELS’ representatives underlined the fact that integration of the ASCOD platform with Elbit’s turret was a result of fruitful and long lasting cooperation of two manufactures and did not relate to any specific requirements set by the Czech MoD, as such weren’t publicly announced at that time. However, they assured MILMAG that the company is able to integrate its tracked platform with literally every manned and unmanned turret system, that is currently available on the market, and the final decision on selection of the preferred system is in the hands of Czech authorities.

During an interview with MILMAG, GDELS’ representatives made a strong point about additional virtues of their offer for the Czech Republic, aside from the platform itself. GDELS intends to partner with a number of local defence companies, which would get involved in the manufacture, delivery and maintenance of the future Czech IFVs, assuming that the country’s MoD selects ASCOD as the preferred platform.

Local production of ASCOD-based Czech IFVs could be conducted through a joint-venture launched by GDELS with a selected local partner. Vehicles would be manufactured under the Transfer of Technology agreement, which would most likely also cover all issues related to overhaul, maintenance and modernization of new IFVs through their whole life-cycle. Furthermore, the future contract is also expected to provide constant and uninterrupted supply of spare parts as well as technical assistance and training support for crews and maintenance personnel.

GDELS also underlines the fact, that in result of the future agreement, local manufacturers could be included in the company’s global supply chain. This would enhance their position on export markets and allow to offer products and services to other potential clients.

PSM presented in Brno an upgraded version of its IFV offer, designated the Puma S1. The platform was said to set new standards for mobility, protection and firepower. The vehicle offers a wide range of essential features, which might prove to be essential to provide tactical dominance on the battlefield, such as: optimum protection against any type of threat for maximum survivability of the crew, optimum armament for escalation and de-escalation in all missions, rapid, strategic, global deployability and high tactical mobility, network centric warfare capability as well as sustainability under extreme climatic conditions and inadequate infrastructural conditions / Picture: Michal Jarocki

In order for GDELS to secure the Czech contract, the company will have to exceed offers of other competitors, which intend to take part in the tender, such as the German Projekt System & Management (PSM), which is making a bid based on the Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

A variant of the vehicle, upgraded and designated the Puma S1, was presented during the IDET 2019 exhibition in Brno. The platform was showcased as the next generation IFV, which sets new standards for mobility, protection and firepower.

The manufacturer made a strong point about the fact that this vehicle has already been selected by the German Army as one of its main tracked weapon systems for years to come. Therefore, for the Czech Army to procure Puma IFV would also mean that the country will enhance interoperability and cooperation with one of its biggest and closest allies.

According to the manufacturer, the Puma IFV combines the virtues of high strategic and tactical mobility, maximum protection and maximum firepower in one single high-performance weapon system. The vehicle is said to be capable to react adequately and with high flexibility to any current and future threats, being ready to provide required support at any time, location and level of warfare intensity.

The Puma IFV is said to offer a wide range of essential features, which might prove to be crucial to provide tactical dominance on the battlefield, such as: optimum protection against any type of threat for maximum survivability of the crew, optimum armament for escalation and de-escalation in all missions, rapid, strategic, global deployability and high tactical mobility, network centric warfare capability as well as sustainability under extreme climatic conditions and inadequate infrastructural conditions.

The manufacturer also assures that the vehicle is ready to operate in various tactical and combat scenarios, offering high level of combat and operational efficiency regardless of geographical and weather conditions. Modularity of the Puma IFV allows for its continuous enhancement and upgrade, making it ready to face different threats on the constantly evolving battlefield.

PSM confirmed that it has designed and developed a wide range of upgrade/modernization packages, for the Puma IFV, which allows the customer to quickly modify and adapt the vehicle in pair with its requirements and according to the current tactical situation.

Rheinmetall Landsysteme showcased at IDET 2019 its Lynx KF41 IFV, which it intends to offer Prague as a replacement of the currently operated BMP-2 vehicles. According to the company, the vehicle presented in Brno featured latest technical enhancements designed and developed by Rheinmetall and is said to be ready to face various challenges of the current and future battlefield. Among its core capabilities are: adaptability, mobility, survivability and firepower / Picture: Remigiusz Wilk

Rheinmetall Landsysteme, another manufacturer involved in the Czech procurement programme, showcased at IDET 2019 its Lynx KF41 IFV platform, which it intends to offer Prague as a replacement of the currently operated BMP-2 vehicles. According to the company, Lynx KF41 is the ultimate future-proof platform, blending high level of protection with massive firepower and unbeatable mobility in a modular concept.

The vehicle showcased in Brno featured latest technical enhancements designed and developed by Rheinmetall and is said to be ready to face various challenges of the current and future battlefield. Among its core capabilities are: adaptability, mobility, survivability and fire power.

According to Rheinmetall, the Lynx KF41 family of vehicles utilise a common drive module and are provided with a flexible mission kit arrangement, which allows the base vehicle to be easily configured according to customer’s current requirements, which includes such variants as: IFV, armoured personnel carrier, command vehicle, recovery vehicle or an ambulance. The manufacturer assures that changing from one configuration to another can be done within eight hours.

Rheinmetall underlines the fact that Lynx KF41 features the latest generation of propulsion technology with an 850 kW Liebherr engine and Renk transmission. Lynx can be configured to carry various mission kits and survivability packages without compromising mobility. When configured for mounted combat operations, fitted with the Lance 2.0 turret and a survivability package suitable for peer-on-peer combat, the vehicle has the mass of approximately 44 tonnes.

The manufacturer assures that a wide range of survivability systems, which were fitted on the Lynx vehicle, provide it with an unprecedented flexibility to cope with a variety of threats. The ballistic and mine protection packages can be easily exchanged, even in the battlefield conditions. Furthermore, Lynx KF41 can be coupled with passive and reactive systems as well as an active protection system to defeat rocket-propelled grenades and antitank guided missiles.

The Lance 2.0 turret system has various enhancements that provide Lynx KF41 with effective firepower and a high level of operational capability. The system features enhanced protection against kinetic and fragmentation threats, improving vehicle’s survivability during close combat.

BAE Systems Hägglunds, the fourth contender taking part in the Czech tender, offers its renowned and battle proven CV90 IFV. However, during the IDET 2019 exhibition the manufacturer presented two specialized variants of the CV90 platform, including the vehicle mounted, self-propelled mortar Mjölner, comprising of a turret system with two smoothbore 120mm gun barrels. It has already been revealed that the new Swedish 120mm SPMs are near delivery, as the first CV90 Mjölner vehicles should be handed over to the Swedish Army this summer / Picture: Michał Jarocki

BAE Systems Hägglunds, the fourth contender taking part in the Czech tender, offers its renowned and battle proven CV90 IFV. However, the vehicle wasn’t presented at the IDET 2019 exhibition and the manufacturer decided to showcase instead two specialized variants of the CV90 platform: the vehicle mounted, self-propelled mortar system Mjölner, comprising of a turret system with two smoothbore 120mm gun barrels, as well as the Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV).

According to the manufacturer, the Mjölner SPM, which made its international debut during the IDET 2019 exhibition, is a step-change solution on the battlefield, which will increase the indirect fire capability to support mechanized battalions. The vehicle allows the user to field a capability well adapted for different vehicle platforms while enhancing the whole fleet’s firepower.

Mjölner is highly scalable with the possibility to integrate more advanced automated fire-control systems and the ability to handle a wide range of ammunition. Furthermore, the vehicle maximizes the space available by the basket-less design, resulting in optimal ergonomics for the crew. In addition, the storage of the majority of the ammunition in the turret bustle provides rapid and easy access from both the inside and outside, during loading and firing as well as when resupplying the up to 56 grenades.

It has already been revealed that new, CV90-based 120mm SPM systems near delivery to the Swedish Army, as the first CV90 Mjölner vehicles should be handed over in September. The Swedish Army has a requirement for 40 Mjölner vehicles and the delivery contract is worth 575 million Kroner.

According to the manufacturer, four Mjölner mortar systems, which will be known as the GRKPBV90 under the Swedish Army’s designation, were already delivered to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in early 2019. These vehicles were used in a wide range of tests. They also helped to train FMV’s and Swedish Army’s personnel.

The contract calls for the final delivery of new SPM systems to take place in 2020. Swedish CV90 Mjölner SPMs are expected to reach the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) status by 2020. CV90 Mjölner SPMs are to provide efficient and effective fire support to Swedish Army’s mechanised battalions. These vehicles will replace the currently operated towed 120mm artillery systems.

A few months after the IDET 2019 exhibition the Czech Government has made a decision regarding another strategic procurement programme, which relates to the long awaited acquisition of a number of H-1 family of helicopters manufactured by the American Bell company. According to the statement made by Czech authorities, the contract will cover the procurement of four AH-1Z Viper attack and eight UH-1Y Venom utility/multirole helicopters / Picture: Cpl. Preston Reed, USMC

A few months after the IDET 2019 exhibition the Czech Government has made a decision regarding another strategic procurement programme, which relates to the long awaited acquisition of a number of H-1 family of helicopters manufactured by the American Bell company. According to the statement made by Czech authorities, the contract will cover the procurement of four AH-1Z Viper attack and eight UH-1Y Venom utility/multirole helicopters.

The planned acquisition was announced by the country’s Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, during his visit to the 22nd Helicopter Air Base in Náměšť nad Oslavou, which took place at the end of August. The head of Czech government was accompanied by the minister of defence, Lubomír Metnar.

“I was acquainted in detail with the acquisition of new helicopters. (…) We want to make the purchase as soon as possible. Deliveries should start in 2023,” said Prime Minister Babiš.

“We reviewed the offers received, and based on military recommendations, we decided on a variant that includes eight UH-1Y Venom multi-purpose and four AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. We would like to conclude the contract by the end of the year,” Minister Metnar added.

The contract with Bell is expected to be worth Czech koruna 14.5 billion. This sum will most likely include the cost of a dozen attack/multirole helicopters, as well as provision of weapon systems and ammunition, plus maintenance and training packages.

The head of the Czech MoD is expected to push for finalization of the government-to-government agreement with the USA once all necessary procedures are finalized. The procurement will most likely be conducted through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure, which means that U.S. armed forces should get involved in the whole process.

Although the H-1 platform turned out to be the most preferred one, it surely wasn’t the only which was considered by the Czech government, as another American manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, also competed in the tender and made a determination to offer Prague a dozen of its UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Furthermore, it was previously reported that Lockheed’s bid was cheaper than Bell’s and valued at Czech koruna 13,2 billion.

The fact that Bell offered modern, multirole attack and utility H-1 platforms, which share 85% part commonality, must have worked in its favour, and helped the manufacturer to secure the contract despite having submitted a more costly offer than the other competitor. Same as the fact that the American company has been present in the Czech Republic for many years, which allowed it to achieve a strong and solid position in the Czech’s aviation industry and on the local market.

It seems obvious, that the U.S. company will now try to push harder on other Central and Eastern European (CEE) markets, like Poland and Romania, where it makes efforts to secure export contracts for delivery of H-1 attack and utility helicopters.

‘Across CEE, we got significant interest from a number of nations. Some of them we obviously cannot name due to the competitive nature of the efforts that we are putting in’, said Joel Best, Director of Global Sales and Strategy at Bell. ‘But I would say that there is great opportunity for Bell and for the H-1 programme with probably 8 or more significant nations of interest’, he added.

The company follows very closely all recent developments in Poland, as the country is expected to re-launch the long awaited Kruk programme, that calls for the procurement of a series of attack helicopters. “We are very excited to see that there is a little bit life in the Kruk programme again,” Best said. “We are very active. We are involved and trying to push the process forward and obviously excited to work with Polish industry. We had meetings with PGZ [Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa] and other leaders within Poland.”

The American manufacturer also expresses its interested in the planned procurement of new attack and multirole helicopters by Romania. “We are still very involved in Romania. It is a very large programme: 24 AH-1Zs and 21 UH-1Ys,” admitted Best.

‘The Romanian army needs attack helicopters. There’s a pretty deep discussion about attack helicopters with the United States. (…) It is very possible that by the end of the year we will have a 5 year production agreement with the United States of America’, the Romanian Minister of Economy, Nicuale Bădălău, announced.

The Romanian MoD has already made a determination to procure a number of attack and multirole/utility helicopters from Bell, as it sent an official Letter of Request to the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the possible acquisition a few years ago. Ever since, the company has tried to reach an agreement with Romanian authorities in relation to the eventuality of creating a partnership for production and maintenance of new rotary-wing platforms that could be procured by the Romanian Armed Forces.

The American manufacturer has already set up a partnership with Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) Brașov, the main aerospace manufacturer in Romania, when both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2016. The document lays ground for further negotiation of cooperation in the case of a potential sale of Bell’s helicopters to Romania.

Although Bell seems to be close to securing the final contract for the sale of a number of attack and multirole helicopters, it surely isn’t the only company on the market that is interested in Romanian procurement plans, as Lockheed Martin, acting through its Sikorsky subsidiary, wants to offer Romania the UH-60M Black Hawk platform, or its internationalized S-70i variant manufactured by the Polish PZL Mielec.

Furthermore, for many years Romania has enjoyed a fruitful cooperation with the European Airbus Helicopters company, which in the past resulted in launching of the local production of such platforms, as IAR 316B Alouette III and IAR 330 Puma. The decision to partner with Bell for the long awaited acquisition of new attack/multirole helicopters might cast a shadow on relation with Airbus, and preclude any further cooperation in the field of rotary-wing platforms, which might also hinder finalization of an agreement signed a few years ago, which called for joint production of the H215M multirole helicopter. IAR was said to become the prime contractor for this platform, if the Romanian MoD decided to procure it in the future.

The Finnish Patria presented the turreted, remote-controlled NEMO mortar, as part of its offer for the Czech Army, which has a requirement for new 120mm self-propelled artillery systems. The company intends to take part in the future tender. The mortar system presented in Brno was based on the AMV 8×8 chassis. However, the manufacturer assures that there is no problem in integrating it with any vehicle the Czech customer would require / Picture: Remigiusz Wilk

During the IDET 2019 exhibition the Finnish Patria presented the turreted, remote-controlled NEMO mortars, as part of its offer for the Czech Army, which has a requirement for new 120mm self-propelled artillery systems. The company’s representative confirmed that it intends to take part in the future tender.

The mortar system presented in Brno was based on the AMV 8×8 chassis. However, according to Risto Paloposki, business development manager at Patria, the manufacturer will not limit its offer to this particular vehicle, as it is aware that the Czech client would rather prefer to integrate the new mortars with one of the platforms its already operated.

Furthermore, it is possible, that Prague will decide to divide the turreted mortars among a number of chassis which are currently in service, which would result in integrating it with the wheeled Pandur II 8×8 armoured vehicle, as well as the future fleet of IFVs. The Finnish company is ready to meet this challenge.

The Czech Army is understood to have a requirement for as much as 62 new self-propelled mortars, which will replace the currently operated self-propelled SPM-85 PRAM-S and towed M1982 PRAM-L artillery systems. According to Paloposki, this is a big enough order to consider moving the production of mortars directly to the customer country, either entirely or just for the final assembly process. However, this would require signing of a separate Transfer of Technology agreement.

Furthermore, transferring of NEMO’s production to the Czech Republic would be preceded by negotiations with the local defence industry, which would allow for setting the guidelines for future cooperation and determinate the scope of involvement of the Czech companies in the whole process as well as the role they might play in finalization of other export contracts that Patria might secure in the future.

Aside from Patria’s 120mm NEMO artillery systems, the HSW (Huta Stalowa Wola) company, a member of the Polish Armaments Group holding, is said to also be considered as a potential supplier of new 120mm turreted mortars. The Polish manufacturer could offer its M120 artillery systems, which are already being delivered to the Polish Army, and can be integrated with virtually every wheeled or tracked drive platform.

The Slovak MoD failed to secure the contract for procurement of 81 Vydra 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles, which were designed in the result of cooperation between a number of local defence companies and the Finnish Patria. The programme has a value of approx. €417 million. The design was based on the new prototype version of AMVXP vehicle, which served as the platform for the research and development phase, coupled with the locally developed turret system / Picture: Michal Jarocki

Although the IDET 2019 exhibition was focused mostly on the Czech Armed Force’s procurement programmes, Slovak modernization requirements were also noted during the show. So far the country failed to finalize the acquisition of 81 Vydra 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles, which were designed in the result of cooperation between a number of local defence companies and the Finnish Patria. The programme has a value of approx. €417 million.

In the spring of 2017 heads of Slovak and Finnish MoDs agreed on a joint research and development programme for the new wheeled, armoured vehicles for the Armed Forces of Slovakia. The ministries chose three companies as industrial partners: Konstrukta Defense a.s. (main supplier), Patria Land Systems Oy (platform) and EVPU a.s. (weapon system).

In the outcome of the agreement, Patria provided a new prototype version of AMVXP vehicle, which served as the platform for the research and development phase. The programme called for a series of field tests, which were already conducted in Slovakia and Finland in various weather and geographical conditions.

It was expected that the Slovak MoD will finalize the procurement of 81 Vydra 8×8 vehicles in the first half of 2019. The final decision in this matter was to be taken shortly after conclusion of the testing phase, which allowed for the evaluation of platform’s operational capabilities.

However, the programme has been unexpectedly withheld due to harsh criticism it faced from the country’s political opposition, which questioned its high budget as well as the decision unilaterally taken by the MoD to select the Patria AMV as the preferred platform for the future wheeled, armoured vehicles of the Slovak Army without launching an official, open tender. The international competition would allow other manufacturers to submit their own, competitive offers, which could lead to lowering the acquisition price.

Controversies, which arose around the expected procurement of new wheeled, armoured vehicles, encouraged the country’s Office for Public Procurement (UVO), which controls the execution of public tenders in Slovakia, and verifies if they are carried out in accordance with the country’s law, to monitor the whole process. UVO representatives have already announced that the office is ready to take appropriate actions if it finds any irregularities in the procurement procedure.

The long awaited procurement of new wheeled, armoured vehicles could be delayed even more due to the coming general election, which are to take place early 2020, and could lead to setting up of a new government, hence shifting the balance of power in the Slovak parliament. Especially, if the new head of the MoD, which might take office after the elections, orders evaluation of all major procurement programmes launched by his predecessor. This might lead to cancelling or re-launching of a number of acquisitions. Therefore, signing of the final contract for the procurement of Vydra 8×8 vehicles seems pointless at the moment.

The Slovak Army’s modernization programme also includes the acquisition of 424 multirole tactical 4×4 vehicles, plus an option for the procurement of 20 additional vehicles for the Ministry of Interior. Its budget was set at €321 million. The programme faces delays, as country’s political opposition accuses MoD officials for setting tender requirements in favour of a specific manufacturer, therefore, turning the open, international competition, which has been launched by the ministry in June, into a farce / Picture: Michal Jarocki

The planned acquisition of a number of new armoured 8×8 vehicles is just a part of a larger modernization effort of the Slovak Army, which also sets a goal for acquiring of 424 multirole tactical 4×4 vehicles. The programme includes an option for the procurement of 20 additional vehicles for the Ministry of Interior.

However, the programme, which budget was set at €321 million, also faces delay. Country’s political opposition accuses MoD’s officials for setting tender requirements in favour of a specific manufacturer, therefore, turning the open, international competition, which was launched by the ministry in June, into a farce.

Eventually, the tender for procurement of a number of multirole tactical 4×4 vehicles for the Slovak Army has been suspended and UVO officials continue to evaluate the legality of the whole competition. The office still assesses documents submitted by the MoD in regards to the planned acquisition. The evaluation conducted by UVO, was launched at the request of the MoD.

A number of local and foreign manufacturers, some of which have a rich experience in designing of multirole tactical 4×4 vehicles, is expected to participate in the Slovak tender and present their offers. However, currently it is hard to predict, when the competition could kick off, as UVO still continues to evaluate the whole process.

In the most optimistic scenario, the Office won’t find any irregularities in the procurement procedure launched by the MoD, and the tender could start with just a few months of delay. On the other hand, UVO might eventually recommend to cancel the programme and re-launch it after further reconfiguring some or all of its requirements, which could lead to even longer delay of the procurement process, leaving the Slovak Army with no other option than to continue use of currently operated, legacy wheeled platforms.

GDELS presented at IDET 2019 an ASCOD 2 tracked vehicle in a Variable Folding Bridge (VFB) configuration. The platform was fitted with the Bridge Launch Mechanism from Pearson Engineering, which enables the it to launch a single-piece bridge over the front of the vehicle’s hull / Picture: Remigiusz Wilk

Oshkosh Defense showcased the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) for the first time at IDET 2019. The manufacturer stated that JLTV 4×4 is the next generation light tactical wheeled vehicle with a combination of protection, mobility, transportability and Net Ready systems integration that delivers the network capability of a mobile command center.

‘Combat operations require military units to be mobile, fast, lethal, protected and connected and the JLTV is a perfect fit for today’s mission requirements, as well as the needs of the future’, said Mike Ivy, senior vice president of international programs and global product support for Oshkosh Defense.

‘In addition to a highly adaptable weapons platform, the JLTV is a network on wheels, representing the first time a tactical wheeled vehicle was designed from the ground up to be Net Ready for communications in denied environments’, he added.

According to Oshkosh the benefits of JLTV to the international community include fleet commonality among coalition forces as well as a vehicle that has already undergone rigorous U.S. Army and Marine Corps testing, making the JLTV primed for a variety of mission requirements. The JLTV reliability was assessed at more than double the specification requirement after 100,000 miles of U.S. Government Reliability Qualification Testing. Several countries have publicly expressed interest in procuring the JLTV, including Lithuania, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom.

The fact that the JTLV platform was presented in Brno was most likely related to the requirement of the Slovak Army for a number of such 4×4 tactical vehicles. It is very probable, that the Wisconsin-based manufacturer will try to take part in the future competition. Especially that Slovakia, as a NATO member state and a close ally of the U.S., could consider it reasonable to procure the same tactical, wheeled vehicles, like the ones which are currently being deployed among US Army and USMC units

During IDET 2019 Nexter, a KNDS company, showcased its know-how and proposed a wide range of solutions that are to meet the needs of Slovak Armed Forces, including the 6×6 TITUS armoured vehicle, which was presented on the CSG stand. Shortly after the show the Czech MoD announced signing of a contract for procurement of 62 TITUS 4×4 wheeled armoured vehicles / Picture: Remigiusz Wilk

During IDET 2019 Nexter, a KNDS company, showcased its know-how and proposed a wide range of solutions that could meet the needs of Slovak Armed Forces. The French manufacturer presented at its stand a copy of the 8×8 VBCI armoured vehicle, equipped with a 40mm turret (T40) and a model of the Armored Combat and Reconnaissance Vehicle EBRC-JAGUAR.

Nexter’s 6×6 TITUS armoured vehicle was also visible on the Czechoslovak Group (CSG) stand, equipped with a 20mm ARX 20 turret. On the artillery side, Nexter showcased a model of CAESAR 8×8. This version of the 155mm self-propelled artillery gun, which can fire 6 rounds per minute with very high precision, was ordered by the Danish army.

The company also exhibited its know-how in turrets. In addition to the T40 mounted on the VBCI and the 20mm ARX 20 turret on TITUS, the group presented the RAPIDFire turret in its land version and the P20 light-duty manual mount, both on 1/5 scale. Air systems were not left out with the presence of models of the POD NC621 gun and the SH20 retractable door mounting for helicopters.

Visitors also discovered the NERVA robot and its payloads, the FINDEAGLE mission enhancement kit, the FINDMP digital system and the FINDART fire support command and control system. Finally, Nexter showcased a wide range of ammunition, ranging from 20mm to 155mm, including the KATANA smart ammunition.

Shortly after the IDET 2019 the Czech MoD announced that it signed a contract for procurement of 62 TITUS 4×4 wheeled armoured vehicles. The value of the order is 6 billion Czech koruna. Deliveries will take place between 2022-23.

The Czech MoD for sure has a long way ahead to achieve all of its modernization goals, which will enhance the operational capabilities of the country’s Armed Forces, bringing them closer to NATO standards. If the ministry wants to reach this milestone, it has to speed up or at least maintain the current pace of a number of its procurement programmes and make an effort to secure the required level of funding from the government.

Article previously published on MILMAG 02/2019