The Czech Republic is moving closer to procuring more than 250 new armored personnel carriers to replace its existing Pandur II 8×8 fleet, with Tatra Defence Vehicle’s Pandur 8×8 EVO emerging as a lead domestic option.
The progress is backed by a feasibility study submitted in December 2025, outlining options for the acquisition, which could be “worth tens of billions of crowns,” according to Czech news agency Aktuálně.
In 2024, Prague first revealed its decision to terminate upgrades for the armed forces’ existing 127 Pandur II vehicles, operational since the 2000s, and instead pursue a full fleet refresh.
Officials said the study is now under military review and will provide a formal recommendation to the government, adding that corresponding details will remain classified.
In line with the research, a market consultation was held with several European defense contractors, including Germany’s Artec, Finland’s Patria, and Spain-based Pandur II developer General Dynamics European Land Systems.
Results positioned Artec’s Boxer armored fighting vehicle and Patria’s AMV XP armored modular vehicle as potential candidates alongside the Czech Republic’s locally-developed Pandur 8×8 EVO.
Future User
The selected vehicle under Prague’s Pandur II replacement effort will be distributed to the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade, a mechanized infantry unit that serves as the Western European country’s primary contribution to the 32-member NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
Specifying the requirements, Czech Chief of the General Staff Gen. Karel Řehka said the next platform must meet the alliance’s operational standards, allow mid-life upgrades, and offer long-term cost efficiency.
If approved, the program could see initial deliveries start in 2029.
