The Austrian Ministry of Defence has awarded General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr a contract for the delivery of 30 PANDUR 6×6 EVOLUTION (EVO) wheeled armoured vehicles. These are designed as Armoured Personnel Carriers but can be quickly converted for other roles such as Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) due to their modular design. In addition to the 34 vehicles purchased in 2016 and based in the center of excellence at the Jägerbataillon 17 in Straß / Styria, the Austrian Armed Forces will operate a fleet of 64 new GDELS EVO vehicles. Deliveries will be made in 2022 and 2023.
Since 1996, the PANDUR has successfully served in domestic and international peacekeeping missions. The significantly modernised version of the PANDUR MTPzUN, the PANDUR EVO, offers an unmatched compact vehicle design with a crew of 11 soldiers, superior mobility and a significantly increased level of protection against mines and IED threats. The vehicles will be completely manufactured in Austria benefiting the local economy and securing hundreds of skilled jobs. More than 200 suppliers, mainly SMEs, are involved in this programme.
Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President for International Business & Services, said, “We would like to thank the Austrian Armed Forces very much for their high confidence in us and our vehicle systems. Austria is one of our home-markets and as a reliable partner, we are fully committed to deliver these vehicles on cost, quality, and schedule.”
Jack Richardson
