We had the opportunity to visit the Tatra Defence Vehicle company in Kopřivnice, where we were introduced to the new Czech armoured vehicle TADEAS. This vehicle's prototype made its world debut at the recent MSPO 2024 International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland, where it was displayed at the stand of Polish partner company Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) under the designation MTV 6x6 Heron for the Polish market.

Video: Dynamic demonstration of the new Czech armoured vehicle TADEAS on Tatra 6x6 chassis / CZ DEFENCE

The Czech manufacturer Tatra Defence Vehicle (TDV) designed and produced the prototype TADEAS (Tatra Defence Armoured Solution) 6x6 armoured vehicle in under a year. The vehicle employs Tatra's unique 6x6 chassis, with an auxiliary frame only at the front of the vehicle up to the driver and commander's compartment, and the vehicle’s hull mounted directly to the carrier tube. This design provides more interior space—nearly 10.3 cubic meters—for the squad or special equipment being transported. Thanks to the innovative axle design and high load capacity of 10 tonnes per axle, the vehicle can also carry special tanks for firefighters, for instance, while maintaining high mobility and ground clearance.

A unique feature of the vehicle is its ability to accommodate various engine types, including classic air-cooled Tatra engines as well as newer liquid-cooled six-cylinder Caterpillar or Cummins engines.

The TADEAS will be offered in several protection levels according to STANAG 4569 standards, enabling it to provide maximum ballistic and mine protection for the crew.

The vehicle also has a new interior including a digitised dashboard and electronic equipment derived from the military version of the latest 3rd generation Tatra Force model series. The vehicle was designed by industrial designer Lukáš Taneček, whose job it was to design both the exterior and interior. Test drivers, for example, are very pleased with the very good view from the vehicle thanks to the shape of the new bonnet. Additionally, TDV developed an entirely new hydraulic system to operate the vehicle’s folding rear ramp.

The Polish Ministry of Defence showed interest in the TADEAS project from its inception, and the Polish Army tested the Czech armoured vehicle prototype this year, providing very positive feedback. Polish company HSW (a member of the PGZ group) has expressed interest in licensing the TADEAS as a command vehicle for Polish artillery and rocket artillery units, such as those equipped with the Langusta self-propelled rocket launchers.

Future versions under consideration for the Polish Army include a medical evacuation vehicle, as confirmed by HSW's chief sales representative, Patryk Kraszewski, at this year’s MSPO event.

The vehicle can also be adapted into command and staff, liaison, APC, and other configurations. Due to its versatility, TADEAS is suitable not only for military use but also for special rescue units, firefighters, or police, as senior project manager Vojtěch Verner confirmed to our editorial team. The APC version of the vehicle can carry a total of 13 people, including the driver, commander, and 11 members of the airborne unit.

The vehicle’s maximum speed is 90 km/h with 16.00 R20 tires or 110 km/h with 14.00 R20 tires. The TADEAS is equipped with two separate fuel tanks (left and right) with a combined capacity of 400 liters, giving it a road range of up to 700 km. The dual-tank system was chosen for increased safety and reliability, allowing continued operation even if one tank is damaged. Additionally, the tanks can be armored or fitted with a self-sealing system.

At its MSPO premiere in Kielce, TADEAS attracted interest from representatives of various military and security forces. It is expected that the Czech armoured vehicle will eventually become part of these forces' equipment portfolios.