This year’s IDET 2025 defence and security fair will host the world premiere of the next-generation Pandur 8×8 EVO armoured vehicle, developed and manufactured by Czech company Tatra Defence Vehicle (TDV), a member of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG). The official unveiling will take place on 28 May, the opening day of the fair.
The new Czech-made platform will be revealed at Pavilion P, Stand 094, in the presence of high-ranking representatives from the Ministry of Defence, key figures from the Czech defence industry, and invited guests. Alongside the new EVO model, TDV will also showcase other modernised variants from the Pandur family, including upgraded Pandur II 8×8vehicles equipped with new weapon stations for fire support and air defence missions. These demonstrations reflect the full potential of the Pandur 8×8 platform — not only for the Czech Armed Forces but for global customers as well.
Strategic Export Priority and Domestic Development
The Pandur 8×8 EVO is the result of extensive collaboration between TDV and GDELS (General Dynamics European Land Systems), one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of military land systems. TDV acquired the licence to develop and manufacture the 8×8 variant of the Pandur platform from GDELS and has since applied it successfully in both domestic and international projects.
Unlike foreign manufacturers who typically offer only final assembly in the Czech Republic, TDV acts as a full-cycle developer and producer. The Pandur 8×8 EVO is entirely developed and produced within the Czech Republic, marking a significant step forward in national defence self-sufficiency. For the first time, even the production of the weapon station has been transferred to Czech industry — a result of cooperation with Israeli partners.
Economic Impact and Industrial Benefits
According to a recent EY study, if the Czech Armed Forces were to include the Pandur 8×8 EVO in their inventory, every Czech crown invested in the project would return 2.4 times that value to the domestic economy. At least 67% of the acquisition cost would go to Czech companies. As noted by Tomáš Mohapl, CEO of TDV:
“The total expected economic benefit of the project significantly exceeds the projected investment. Domestic development and manufacturing not only strengthen our economy but also ensure stable supply and servicing even during international crises.”
The vehicle’s export potential was a key driver of the investment — one that simultaneously increases production readiness for potential domestic orders.
Platform Versatility and Combat Capabilities
The Pandur 8×8 EVO offers high modularity, with variants ranging from infantry fighting vehicles and command posts to artillery support, air defence, and engineering configurations. At IDET 2025, the vehicle will debut in the IFV configuration (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) with an unmanned weapon station featuring a 30 mm Mk44S Bushmaster II autocannon, paired with a coaxial machine gun and dual Spike anti-tank guided missiles.
The station includes fully stabilised optoelectronic sights for both commander and gunner, featuring automatic target tracking, high-resolution day cameras, and thermal imaging. The commander’s sight offers panoramic capabilities. This weapon station will also be manufactured in the Czech Republic under transferred technology from the Israeli partner.
Built for Modern Threats – From Drones to AI
TDV has integrated key lessons from the Ukrainian battlefield into the EVO’s design. The vehicle features enhanced anti-drone capabilities using programmable ammunition and the Iron Fist active protection system, which is capable of intercepting anti-tank missiles and offensive drones alike. Detection is ensured via radar sensors with electronic beam steering, which may be supplemented by IR sensors or jamming systems. Interception is carried out using dual twin-barrel launchers of defensive munitions mounted on the weapon station.
Advanced battlefield awareness is provided by an AI-powered situational awareness system, enabling the crew to process threats and combat developments in real time. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with its own onboard unmanned aerial system, which can perform reconnaissance or loitering munition functions.
CSG Group – A Growing Global Industrial Force
CSG (Czechoslovak Group) is a global industrial-technology group owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad, delivering technologies that help build a safer and more stable future. It focuses on strategic sectors such as defence, aerospace, automotive, and more. With major production sites in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Italy, India, the UK, and the USA, CSG exports worldwide.
Key members of the group include Tatra Trucks, MSM Group (Slovakia), The Kinetic Group (USA), and Czech radar manufacturer Eldis. In 2024, CSG’s consolidated revenues reached €4 billion, while including the full-year performance of The Kinetic Group raised the total to €5.2 billion. The group employs over 14,000 people across its integrated and affiliated companies.
