The Czech armed forces have received the first six of 62 6×6 Titus troop carriers on order, French manufacturer Nexter announced on 24 May 2023. According to Nexter, the 2019 Titus orders will be produced in collaboration with Czech industry, including CSG companies ELDIS and Tatra Defence Vehicle as well as Tatra Trucks, the chassis supplier.
The 6×6 vehicles will be delivered to the Czech Army in three versions: a command post (CP) variant, a command and liaison vehicle and an artillery fire control post variant. On a Tatra Trucks chassis Nexter has built a protected cabin that can seat up to 13 people.
Using modularity, Nexter has also developed a version with a 120 mm mortar, which was presented at the IDET defence exhibition, held in Brno from 24 to 26 May 2023. Further development could also be done in partnership with CSG.
In 2021 the Czech Republic ordered 52 CAESAR 155 mm self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) on 8×8 Tatra chassis and in 2022 ordered 10 more systems. The vehicle carries 36 rounds of 155 mm ammunition, which are fired by the cannon with a loading aid. The protection of the crew is ensured by an armoured cabin. The delivery of the SPHs, most of which are produced in the Czech Republic, is scheduled to take place between 2024 and 2026. The 8×8 CAESAR was also among the exhibits at IDET.
With these projects Nexter is building close commercial, technical and industrial co-operation with Czech companies. This includes ties with Czech ammunition manufacturer STV, which has been selected to supply 155 mm ammunition to the Czech armed forces.
Gerhard Heiming
