Yesterday, the Government discussed a public contract prepared by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, the subject of which is the performance of defects, routine repairs, special types of maintenance, prescribed statutory revisions, prophylaxis and maintenance of components of communication and information systems of the superstructure of equipment on the chassis Pandur II 8x8 KOVS (wheeled armoured communications vehicle), KOVVŠ (wheeled armoured command staff vehicle), including the provision of training of workshop specialists, instructors and vehicle crews, on the basis of a concluded framework agreement, where the performance will be carried out on the basis of partial orders for the provision of a specific service, awarded according to the requirements of the Army of the Czech Republic. The comprehensive service support will be provided by Tatra Defence Vehicle, a.s. (TDV a.s.). The estimated value of the contract is CZK 304,132,231.40 excluding VAT.

Picture: Tatra Defence Vehicle will provide comprehensive service support for the superstructure of the Pandur II 8x8 chassis KOVS, KOVVŠ | Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic

The estimated value of the public contract was determined on the basis of the prices specified in the currently concluded framework agreement. The contract is expected to be concluded by 31 October 2022 and the contractual relationship to be established will last 48 months from the entry into force and effect of the framework agreement. 

TDV a.s. is the licensee of the relevant technical solution and is also the sole owner of the production, technical and technological documentation of the Pandur II 8x8 KOVS and KOVVŠ vehicles. Apart from TDV a.s., no other repairer has been repairing modifications of Pandur II 8x8 KOVS, KOVVŠ vehicles since their introduction into service in the Czech Army in 2020 until the present time.

The implementation of this contract will ensure the full functionality, operability and operational reliability of the military equipment superstructure on Pandur II 8x8 chassis, namely in the modifications of the wheeled armoured vehicle for liaison (KOVS) and wheeled armoured vehicle for command staff (KOVVŠ), delivered to the Army of the Czech Republic. These are important communications assets that provide command and information transfer, especially in field conditions, including deployment in task groups within NATO units, and therefore it is necessary to ensure their operability by necessary servicing.

Pandur II 8x8 KOVS, KOVVŠ vehicles were delivered to the Czech Army by TDV a.s. in 2019 (4 pcs) to 2020 (16 pcs). In 2020, they were put into use in the Army of the Czech Republic.

The Pandur II 8x8 KOVS, KOVVŠ vehicles are intended primarily for the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade, where they are used by the brigade headquarters as well as by the headquarters of individual mechanized battalions, where the new Pandurs have replaced retired equipment. The staff and liaison Pandurs can easily keep up with combat and other vehicle variants in manoeuvres at all times. In addition to modern equipment and advanced systems for effective command, control and communications, they also provide adequate ballistic protection for their crews.