The world premiere of the new Czech combat vehicle Pandur 8×8 EVO took place at the IDET 2025 trade fair in Brno. Tatra Defence Vehicle, part of the Czechoslovak Group, the armaments group of the fourth richest Czech, Michal Strnad, is behind the development and production.

The new Pandur 8×8 EVO, which was completely developed and produced in the Czech Republic, has the ambition to become a pillar of domestic defence production and an export item. The vehicle has been designed for the modern battlefield and its development has built on the successes of the older generation of Pandurs, which Tatra Defence Vehicle produces under licence from the European company GDELS, which is part of the American General Dynamics concern.

"The Pandur 8×8 EVO is characterised by a high level of ballistic and mine protection that fully meets the requirements of today's armies for vehicles of this category," says Radomír Smolka, Tatra Defence Vehicle's director of research and development. According to the company, the inspiration came from real-life scenarios that showed the importance of anti-drone protection and the ability to react quickly to changing situations.

The vehicle also features advanced electronic and communications equipment, including an AI-based situational awareness system. This helps crews better perceive the situation on the battlefield, assess current threats and provide early warning.

According to the company's management, the new Pandur has high export potential - the company registers demand in the hundreds of units and the vehicle meets the standards of NATO and the Czech Army.

Source: Forbes.cz
Prepared by CzechTrade Romania