With the Austrian Armed Forces the Pandur 6×6 Evolution from General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr (GDELS-Steyr) has long been in demand, and now the Czech manufacturer Tatra Defense Vehicle (TDV), a member of the CSG Group, is following suit and presenting the new Pandur 8×8 Evolution for the first time at the IDET in Brno.
The Pandur 8×8 Evo was developed in close cooperation with the Pandur license partners of GDELS-Steyr and manufactured in the Czech Republic.
According to TDV, the vehicle integrates experiences from the war in Ukraine (-> current news from the war in Ukraine) – including protection mechanisms against drone attacks using adaptable cannon ammunition and the Iron Fist system, which is designed to detect and fend off threats using radar and infrared sensors. In addition, AI is to support real-time data evaluation, while a dedicated drone on board serves as a reconnaissance and at the same time an effective tool.
The modular platform concept is designed for variants for infantry, fire support, reconnaissance, drone defense and more. According to TDV, it combines “high ballistic and mine protection with state-of-the-art active defense”.
The version presented at the IDET is a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle with an unmanned weapon station equipped with a 30-millimeter Mk.44S Bushmaster II, coaxial machine gun and spike anti-tank missiles.
In addition to the new Pandur 8×8 Evo, TDV will also be presenting modernized versions of the Pandur II 8×8 at IDET, equipped with new turrets for fire support and air defence.
