Briefing: Key Czech and Slovakian procurement programmes

Both the Army of the Czech Republic (Armáda České republiky; AČR) and the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojené sily Slovenskej republiky; OS SR) are currently undergoing the most extensive modernisation since their creation in 1993. The following overview presents the most important recent procurement projects.

Czech Republic

Air Force

The most expensive armament project is and will remain the acquisition of 24 F-35A Lightning IIs for the 211th and 212th Tactical Squadron at Čáslav air base, with the first six aircraft to be delivered in 2029. As the Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) accelerates the instalments in 2025, the next two F-35As will be delivered in 2030. The remaining 16 aircraft will be completed in tranches of four per year between 2031 and 2034. The contract also includes the delivery of an initial supply of ammunition consisting of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles as well as GBU-53/B StormBreaker and GBU-31/B JDAM (with BLU-109C/B penetrators) precision-guided bombs. The full operational capability (FOC) of Lightning IIs is expected in 2035.

On 25 October 2024, the Ministry of Defence awarded Embraer a contract for the delivery of two C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for CZK 11.3 billion without VAT. The first of these in the basic configuration is scheduled for delivery in late 2025. The second fully equipped C-390 is scheduled for delivery in late 2027 or early 2028. The first delivered aircraft will then be continuously upgraded to full standard. Along with the aircraft, the MoD has ordered additional equipment such as the Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System II (MAFFS II), an in-flight refuelling module, a patient transport module, including an intensive care unit, additional fuel tanks for extended range, a self-protection system, forward arming and refuelling point (FARP) fuel dispensing system, search and rescue (SAR) operations module, as well as a GPS repeater for special forces. Both aircraft will be operated by the 24th Transport Air Force Base at Prague-Kbely.

In June 2024, deliveries of eight UH-1Y Venom helicopters and four AH-1Z Viper helicopters to the 221st Helicopter Squadron at Náměšt’ nad Oslavou air base were completed. On 14 August 2024, a contract with the US was concluded for the overhaul and upgrade of another six AH-1Z and two UH-1Y helicopters originally operated by the US Marine Corps (USMC), and provided to the Czech Republic under the Foreign Military Financing programme. These helicopters will be modified to the same standard as the first 12 newly-manufactured ones. According to the latest schedule, these Venoms and Vipers should be delivered in late 2027 and early 2028 respectively. In 2024, additional munitions have been ordered for the H-1 helicopters, including up to 70,000 Hydra 70 rockets with M151, M229, M274 and WTU-1/B warheads along with an unspecified number of APKWS II guidance kits (maximum 600 sets) and AGM-114R Hellfire II anti-tank guided missiles (maximum 200 units).

Air defence

The purchase of eight IAI EL/M-2084 MMR radars ordered in December 2019 is facing major delays. According to the original schedule, the last radar was to be delivered in April 2023. However, only three radars had been shipped by February 2023. As of November 2024, due to technical problems, only four EL/M-2084 MMRs were regularly operated by the 262nd Radiotechnical Battalion, with the remaining four pending resolution of the technical difficulties.

In October 2021, the MoD ordered four batteries of the SPYDER-MR air defence missile system. By mid-December 2024, most of the components for the first and second batteries had been delivered to the Czech Republic. The first battery was completed by March 2025 and subsequently took part in company trials. The operational evaluations are expected to be conducted in autumn 2025. The full operational capability of the complete system is planned to be achieved by 1 January 2028. Within the framework of the SPYDER PII research project, a solution for the integration of the information from the Deployable Passive ESM Tracker (DPET) surveillance system for fire control of the SPYDER-MR is being developed.

Elsewhere, the Czech Army’s 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment is set to receive 16 very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) vehicles based on the SVOS MARS 4×4 protected patrol vehicle (PPV).

Armoured vehicles

In 2024, work continued on a project to deliver CV9030 MkIV tracked vehicles for CZK 59.7 billion including VAT. The first complete new IFV for the Czech Army (AČR) will be officially rolled out in the middle of 2025. In parallel, the development of the ambulance variant started in VOP CZ. At the end of 2024, work was underway on the production of a mock-up of the ambulance variant. A prototype of the complete vehicle is to be delivered in 2026. VOP CZ is also developing supporting mobile workshops on the Tatra 815-7 8×8 as part of the contract. A total of 29 workshops in three versions have been ordered. The first batch of ten CV9030 MkIV IFVs is due to be delivered to Czech units in November 2026. By 2030, AČR should own all 246 vehicles in seven variants.

As compensation for Czech aid to Ukraine, Germany donated 28 Leopard 2A4 tanks to the Czech Republic. In July 2024, the MoD signed the final agreement for the transfer of an additional 14 Leopard 2A4s and one Büffel armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) worth approximately CZK 4.5 billion. The first tank from this delivery was to be shipped to the Czech Republic at the end of 2024, with the remaining main battle tanks arriving by April 2025. The Büffel is expected to be delivered by early 2026. On 3 December 2024, the MoD awarded a contract for the purchase of an additional 14 Leopard 2A4s with the price of the contract worth CZK 3.98 billion excluding VAT. The tanks will be delivered by the end of 2026. In total, the 73rd Tank Battalion will have 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks and two Büffel 3 recovery vehicles. In the meantime, preparations are underway for the purchase of the latest Leopard 2A8 tanks (maximum of 77 vehicles), including derivative combat support vehicles.

At the time of writing, the MoD was preparing to contract around 20 additional TITUS vehicles in command and staff/communication versions (KOVVŠ/M2 and KOV VVŘ variants). In March 2025, the public tender for 4×4 universal armoured wheeled vehicles was launched. The number is expected to be in the low hundreds, with deliveries to take place between 2026 and 2032.

Artillery

The purchase of 62 CAESAR 8×8 CZ self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) is currently facing a delay of some 18 months. Additional requirements for the C4ISTAR architecture have led to postponements, so the first two prototypes are not due to be completed until March 2025. The operational evaluation in the Czech Republic is planned to take place in the summer of 2025. While two artillery workshops based on armoured Tatra 815-7 8×8 are currently under production, the MoD is going to order 26 ammunition supply vehicles for CZK 1.1 billion. Each of these is composed of a Tatra 815-7 8×8 cargo bed truck with an armoured cab and a loader crane as well as an off-road trailer based on the Tatra FAST II. Moreover, Vojenský technický ústav (VTÚ) will deliver 15 LOV-VČ platoon commanders’ vehicles for CZK 1.3 billion and ten LOV-REKO topographic survey vehicles worth around CZK 1 billion to the 13th Artillery Regiment. Both types are based on the Iveco Defence Vehicles LMV.

Intelligence

On 14 January 2025, Space X’s Falcon-9 rocket carried the first Czech military spy satellite, SATurnin-1, into orbit. The satellite, developed under the GOLEM X programme by the Czech state-owned aerospace research institute VZLU AEROSPACE, has a span of 87 cm after the solar panels are extended. The satellite main body has dimensions of 32 × 22.5 × 22.5 cm, and weighs approximately 14 kg. SATurnin-1, which is composed only of components developed exclusively in the Czech Republic, will be operated by the Satellite Centre of the Military Intelligence. Due to its pioneering nature, its mission in space will be predominantly scientific and research in nature, with a focus on advanced technologies for remote photographic surveillance of the Earth.

In December 2024, the STRATOM development project was completed; STRATOM is a high-altitude ‘pseudo-satellite’ surveillance balloon developed to augment the AČR’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. STRATOM was designed by the Czech company STRATOSYST and intended for surveillance; it will serve as a medium- and long-term continuous source of information for the area under surveillance, which will be predominantly the territory of the Czech Republic. The system will acquire optical data of the surveilled area in extremely high resolution in the form of photography and live video. At the same time, the device will have the ability to serve as a communications node in the event of a failure of conventional communication services, and a relay station for data from satellite systems, which will be received by its terrestrial segment.

Communications and electronic warfare

The MoD plans to acquire four types of L3Harris radio stations totalling 4,264 units, worth CZK 4.6 billion. Within the framework of the MILSATCOM project, the AČR will receive two Large Enterprise Terminals for satellite communication from the US. The procurement of both terminals and the construction of related infrastructure will cost some CZK 5 billion.

During autumn 2024, the 532nd Electronic Warfare Battalion obtained the last of two DPET passive surveillance systems based on the VERA-NG, each transported on five Tatra 815-7 8×8 trucks with armoured cabs and multi-lift MSH-165-SCA hook lifts. Moreover, the MoD ordered three PLESS passive over-the-horizon direction finding systems, also developed by the Czech company ERA. The PLESS can detect, locate, identify and track air, land and naval targets with a focus on slow-moving or stationary platforms. The AČR will receive one stationary and two mobile systems worth CZK 2.3 billion. The MoD is also buying eight ES-RA systems for electromagnetic surveillance and electronic warfare (EW) coordination; these are based on the Tatra 815-7 8×8 with armoured cab and box-body superstructure in the same fashion as the STARKOM jammer. The overall value of the contract is CZK 3.8 billion.

Logistics

The most expensive contract in the logistics segment, awarded in July 2024, is the framework agreement for the purchase of up to 872 Tatra 815-7 trucks in three configurations (6×6 cargo bed, 8×8 cargo bed, 8×8 MSH-165-SCA hook lift) with a maximum value of CZK 13.35 billion. The minimum quantity of trucks to be acquired is 98 vehicles, which should be delivered by September 2031. Moreover, the framework agreement allows NATO partners to join, which was already used by Slovakia. Another important modernisation project is the acquisition of mobile workshops based on the chassis of Tatra trucks. Based on a framework agreement, VTÚ will produce an undisclosed number of vehicles up to the maximum overall price of some CZK 10 billion; the deliveries will take place between 2025 and 2031.

 

Slovak Republic

Air Force

The most expensive Slovak armament project is the purchase of new supersonic fighter aircraft. In December 2018, the MoD ordered 12 F-16C and two F-16D Block 70 Fighting Falcons, including training, supporting equipment and armament, valued at EUR 1.58 billion. The contract includes six AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR targeting pods, ammunition for the M61A1 guns, 28 AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, 324 Mk 82 bombs, along with 150 GBU-38/B JDAM, 12 GBU-12/B Paveway II and 150 GBU-12/B Paveway II Plus guidance kits. Under a separate contract, 98 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles were ordered. The aircraft will be introduced into the inventory of the 1st Tactical Squadron of the 81st Wing at Sliač air base. As the reconstruction of this airfield was not completed on time, the aircraft will initially operate from Kuchyňa air base. In July and December 2024, the first three F-16Cs were flown there with six more ‘Vipers’ due to be flown to Slovakia by August 2025. Delivery of the last aircraft ordered is currently expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Meanwhile, the situation of the jet trainer fleet has reached critical proportions. The 2nd Tactical Squadron of the 81st Wing currently has the last two airworthy Albatros trainers – one L-39CM and one L-39ZAM. The preferred replacement is the L-39 Skyfox, but details of the possible purchase of new jet trainers have not yet been made public.

The 46th Wing at Kuchyňa currently operates two C-27J Spartans and seven L-410 Turbolets. In December 2024, the Slovak government decided that this fleet would be replaced by four C-390 Milleniums (three definite and one under option) and two twin-engine medium-range business jets for 15 passengers. Two or three L-410s will remain in the inventory and will be used mainly for aircrew training.

The 1st Helicopter Squadron of the 51st Wing at Prešov operates nine UH-60M Black Hawks. To save costs as much as possible, these helicopters were initially delivered without defensive armament or any missile approach warning system (MAWS) and radio warning receiver (RWR) self-protection systems. The M240H door machine guns were shipped in 2024 and the OS SR will receive the ballistic protection system for these Black Hawks during 2025. In the future, the helicopters are planned to be fitted with self-protection equipment and a weapon subsystem enabling the use of rockets and missiles. In 2025, two UH-60M SOF helicopters will be delivered under an intergovernmental agreement from June 2021. This pair of Black Hawks will already come equipped with an optronic infrared (IR) sight, M134D-H machine guns and an AN/AAR-47 self-protection system.

During 2024, the replacement of Mi-17M helicopters operated by the 2nd Helicopter Squadron of the 51st Wing was addressed. A US government offer to supply surplus AH-1Z Vipers was rejected and instead, a contract worth EUR 150 million was awarded to ACE Aeronautics for 12 refurbished UH-60L Black Hawks in December 2024. The helicopters will be delivered with 12 Fulcrum Modular Effects Launcher (MEL) four-station configurable lightweight armament wing kits, 18 Arnold Defense M261 rocket pods and 12 aircraft survivability equipment kits.

Air defence

Like the Czech Republic, Slovakia has decided to bet on Israeli radars from IAI/ELTA Systems. In March 2021, the Slovak government concluded a contract for the delivery of 17 radars (six EL/M-2084M-MMR; five EL/M-2084S-MMR; and six EL/M-2138M sets) for EUR 123 million including VAT. According to the contract, Elta Systems is to complete deliveries during 2025. However, at the time of writing, not a single radar has been delivered to the 2nd Air Force Brigade.

In August 2024, the government approved the purchase of six batteries of the BARAK MX system for EUR 554 million for the 11th Air Force Brigade. The armament will include all available missile types. The first components of the BARAK MX system should arrive in Slovakia at the end of 2025 and the first battery is expected to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) in 2026. One battery consists of a fire control centre, a radar and three launchers, each carrying eight missiles. An option for two more batteries can be exercised in the future. Slovak companies should participate in the production of parts of the radar and the final assembly of the missiles; in the latter case, VOP Nováky will assemble the missiles from imported components.

Although the Polish Piorun was selected as the successor to the Russian 9K38 Igla (SA-18 Grouse) Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) as early as 2023, no agreement has been concluded for their purchase so far.

Armoured vehicles

In 2025, the Slovak Armed Forces (OS SR) await the delivery of 160 JLTVs (110 M1278A1 HGCs with M153 CROWS weapon stations and 50 M1278A1s with manned turrets). Within the Slovak land forces, these vehicles will be used to equip the 65th Reconnaissance Battalion and the newly-established 25th Motorised Battalion.

The Slovak MoD has also restarted a project for new 4×4 multi-purpose armoured vehicles. To find a suitable type of local origin, the MoD has ordered a total of nine vehicles in three different configurations from three Slovak suppliers at the end of 2024: the Gerlach from Zetor Engineering Slovakia, the PATRIOT II from MSM Land Systems, and the HRON from DefTech. After comparative trials, the OS SR intends to order at least 400 vehicles of the chosen type. It can be assumed that their evaluation will not start before late 2025, and the test results and the production order will come during 2026 at the earliest.

In August 2022, the MoD ordered 76 Patria AMV XP 8×8 armoured vehicles in three variants for the units of the 2nd Mechanised Brigade – the 21st and 22nd Mechanised Battalions. The prototype of the IFV variant was scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2024, with the vehicle subsequently taking part in a military parade in Banská Bystrica in August 2024. AMV XP deliveries are slated for completion in the first quarter of 2027.

The project for the delivery of 152 CV90 MK IV tracked combat vehicles for the 1st Mechanised Brigade – 11th, 12th and 13th Mechanised Battalions – is also underway. According to plans made last year, the first vehicle could be ceremonially handed over in May 2025, with inspection trials starting at the end of that year. Vehicle deliveries were scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2029.

The MoD is also in search of a new main battle tank (MBT); solutions under consideration include the Leopard 2A8 and K2PL tanks, and even the CV90120 fire support vehicle (FSV) – though the latter is not an MBT. However, the selection of a specific type has not yet been announced.

Artillery

The OS SR is still waiting for the last eight ZUZANA 2 SPHs from a contract for 25 units awarded to KONŠTRUKTA-Defence in 2018. These guns have been physically produced but were shipped to Ukraine by January 2023. Their replacement for the OS SR was supposed to be completed by the end of June 2024, but due to various issues, this did not happen.

The MoD is also considering the acquisition of EVA M2 155 mm SPHs from KONŠTRUKTA – Defence, and a batch of AM120 120 mm self-propelled mortars from ZTS – ŠPECIÁL.

Logistics

In December 2024, Slovakia joined the Czech Ministry of Defence’s framework agreement for the delivery of Tatra 815-7 trucks in three configurations. Based on the concluded amendment, the OS SR should receive 870 6×6 cargo bed vehicles for EUR 383 million excluding VAT and 437 8×8 container carriers with MSH-165-SCA hook lifts for EUR 325 million excluding VAT by 2031, with deliveries in several stages.

The MoD also plans to gradually purchase new passenger road and offroad vehicles; up to 821 could be purchased by 2027 for an estimated value of EUR 40.63 million.

Author: Martin Smisek is a Czech freelance journalist specialising in Czech armament programmes, as well as Czech and Slovak military history since WWII.