Czech Republic selects Pandur II 8x8
The government of the Czech Republic has approved the acquisition of 20 Pandur II 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicles, the Czech Ministry of Defence announced on 20 August.
The order will encompass 20 Pandur II 8x8 vehicles in command and control configuration, and associated logistics training and support.
The vehicles will be delivered from 2018 through 2020, with the public contract to be awarded by the end of 2015.
The Pandur II is built by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS)–Steyr. The vehicle is marketed, sold and serviced in the Czech Republic by Excalibur Army under a collaboration agreement with Steyr.
Martin Stropnický, Defense Minister of Czech Republic, said: ‘This is one of the key priorities in the supplement arsenal of combat core of our army, namely headquarters and battalions 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade.
'Compared to earlier expectations, the contract will be more convenient for command-staff vehicles, we expect savings in one vehicle 20 million crowns for connecting vehicles, 14 million crowns.’
Lt Gen Joseph Bečvář, chief of general staff, said: ‘The acquisition and the introduction of command-staff and connecting wheeled armoured vehicles will significantly enhance the ability of the Army of the Czech Republic.
‘Modern means of ensuring the necessary protection of crews and the necessary deployable communications and information systems are crucial for successful implementation of tasks on the contemporary battlefield.’
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