Slovakia moves on Vydra 8x8 acquisition
The Slovakian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is moving ahead with plans to acquire the Patria AMV, announcing that it will propose the cabinet to approve the procurement of the vehicle, to be known as Vydra (Otter).
The MoD plans to procure up to 81 Vydra vehicles, with the overall price not exceeding €417 million ($480.1 million). This includes logistical support, munitions, infrastructure and the purchase of the prototype.
The 8X8 vehicle will be designated as Otter because of its swimming capability and its dynamic, fast, agile, resistant and easily manoeuvrable capabilities.
The MoD will now initiate interdepartmental consultations on the proposal. Up to 16 Slovak firms could become involved in the production of the IFV.
In addition to technical company trials, verification trials and military trials, the IFV prototype has successfully undergone additional verification and military trials in order to test the proposed adjustments to the vehicle to meet Slovakian requirements.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
BOV 8x8 [Slovakia - 5th Batch]
BOV 8x8 [Slovakia - 4th Batch]
BOV 8x8 [Slovakia - 3rd Batch]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)]()
SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)
At SOF Week 2026, Pro-Shot Defense discusses the maintenance technologies and weapon support tools designed to keep special operations forces mission ready in the world’s harshest environments.
-
![Sweden looks to commercial world to meet military UGV needs]()
Sweden looks to commercial world to meet military UGV needs
Stockholm is exploring commercial avenues to provide a small uncrewed ground vehicle capable of carrying 500kg with a focus on challenging terrains and C2 systems.
-
![Are counter-drone systems for dismounted troops emerging as the next procurement battle?]()
Are counter-drone systems for dismounted troops emerging as the next procurement battle?
As uncrewed aerial systems and loitering munitions evolve, it is increasingly necessary for counter-uncrewed solutions to keep pace in order to protect not only military facilities and platforms but also dismounted troops.
-
![NATO’s Crystal Arrow factors in Ukrainian UGV lessons as European interest grows]()
NATO’s Crystal Arrow factors in Ukrainian UGV lessons as European interest grows
One goal of NATO’s Exercise Crystal Arrow was to identify the potential uses of uncrewed ground vehicles – as seen on the Ukrainian battlefield – and put platforms into the hands of users.
-
![SOF Week 2026: Galvion unveils Cortex Evo integrated combat helmet]()
SOF Week 2026: Galvion unveils Cortex Evo integrated combat helmet
Galvion has introduced its Cortex Evo integrated head system, combining ballistic protection, power, data and processing capabilities within a single combat helmet architecture.
