IDET 2025: Pandur II 8×8 EVO IFV prototype makes its premiere

Tatra Defence Vehicle (TDV, a member of Czechoslovak Group) presented a prototype of the Pandur II 8×8 EVO infantry fighting vehicle variant at the IDET 2025 defence exhibition, held in Brno from 28 to 30 May.

The new Pandur II was developed by TDV together with GDELS-Steyr and is partly based on the Pandur 6×6 EVO intended for the Austrian Bundesheer.

The Pandur II 8×8 EVO has higher ballistic (STANAG 4569 Level 3, optionally Level 4) and mine protection (STANAG 4569 Level 3a/3b, optionally Level 4a) with a completely redesigned underside of the hull, resulting in an increased combat weight of 25 tonnes. The vehicle powerpack is based on the 8.9-litre Cummins ISL turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine, which offers an output of 405 kW at 2,200 rpm and 1,900 Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 110 km/h and a range of 600 km.

The Pandur II 8×8 EVO is equipped with the UT30MK2 weapon station by Elbit Systems, for which the ballistic protection is optional; for the prototype STANAG 4569 Level 2 protection was chosen. The UT30MK2’s armament consists of the Mk44S Bushmaster II 7.62 mm machine gun and a retractable launcher for two Spike-LR/LR2 anti-tank missiles. The UT30MK2 can also be fitted with the Iron Fist LC active protection system, while self-protection is further enhanced by the Elbit Laser Warning System (ELAWS) with eight 76 mm smoke grenade launchers and a STAR Light 3SF + MAD RCIED/drone jammer.

The new generation of Pandurs has received a newly designed NBC protection system, with filters being replaced from the outside. The fuel tanks in the hull, meanwhile, have been relocated to increase the protection of the crew of three and transported dismounts (seven or eight soldiers, according to the configuration). The vehicle’s air conditioning and heating systems have also been improved.