We visited Kopřivnice with our camera, where we were introduced to the production portfolio of Tatra Defence Vehicle, which produces vehicles not only for the Czech Army. We had the opportunity to see the production and assembly of TITUS, STARKOM, Pandur II 8x8 and the new armoured cab for Tatra Phoenix vehicles.

Video: We visited Tatra Defence Vehicle / YouTube

Tatra Defence Vehicle (TDV) specialises in the development, production, overhaul and modernisation of mainly armoured and special vehicles for the needs of the Czech Army and for export. The offer also includes after-sales and maintenance services to ensure the entire life cycle of the delivered equipment. TDV is based in Kopřivnice, close to Tatra Trucks, one of the world's oldest automotive companies, with which it cooperates closely. TDV also cooperates with renowned global manufacturers of ground equipment, such as General Dynamics European Land Systems or Nexter.

TDV continuously continues to license the production of Pandur II 8x8 vehicles, which were recently ordered by our army for the 44th Light Motorized Battalion, which currently has only IVECO light armored vehicles. However, apart from the Czech Republic, Pandurs are or will be exported to other countries, such as Indonesia.

Picture: Pandur II 8x8 production | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

We were also presented with a new armoured cab designed for Tatra Phoenix 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles. The contract for the production of almost nine hundred vehicles for the Belgian Army, which was awarded to DAF Trucks in 2021, can be considered a great success, as the chassis for these vehicles are being produced in the Tatra Trucks car factory in Kopřivnice, and some of the vehicles will be equipped with the aforementioned ballistic cab developed by Tatra Defence Vehicle. According to the requirements of the Belgian Army, the armoured cab has ballistic and mine protection Level 3 according to the STANAG standard, but the cab has been developed to meet higher standards.

Picture: Production of armoured cabs | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Picture: Heavy military vehicle Tatra Phoenix 8x8 with new armoured cab | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

This was followed by a presentation of the TITUS armoured vehicles intended for the Czech Army, in all 3 versions - Communications (KOVS), Command and Staff (KOVVŠ) and Fire Support Coordination Point (MKPP). Our Army has ordered 62 vehicles in 2019. Currently, the vehicles are in the testing phase, having successfully passed company and inspection tests. The control tests were to verify the compliance of the vehicle with the technical requirements of the Army and the Ministry of Defence, respectively. Now the vehicle will wait for military tests. The TITUS 6x6 is a unique MRAV vehicle, which was developed in cooperation between TDV, Tatra Trucks and the French company NEXTER Systems. The vehicle has a steerable front and rear axle within the Tatra chassis, which enables it to be highly manoeuvrable and cross-country.

Picture: TITUS armoured vehicles for the Czech Army | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Very interesting was the presentation of a highly specialized vehicle, namely the STARKOM (STAvebnicový Rušič KOMunikační; Constructional Communication Jammer) jammer on a Tatra Force (815-7) 8x8 chassis with all steerable axles. These vehicles are intended for the Czech Army, with the Ministry of Defence signing a contract for the purchase of a total of 8 STARKOM vehicles to replace the old MORUŠ (MOdulová stavebnice RUŠičů; Modular jammer kit) jammers at the end of 2019. The new vehicles will be intended for deployment in the frontline combat unit line-up, therefore a high degree of ballistic protection (cab and superstructure) is required. The special equipment of this vehicle includes, for example, a protective jammer against radio-launched explosive devices, powerful communication technologies for communication and data processing, filter ventilation, mobile camouflage, and a 360° camera system. The vehicle weighs 42 tonnes, making it the heaviest vehicle produced by TDV.

Picture: Specialized STARKOM vehicle designed for the Czech Armed Forces | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE