Protracted Selection A process to deliver tracked replacements for the Soviet-vintage BMP-2 IFV – in order to equip the 7th Mechanized Brigade by 2025 – took almost a decade and ultimately ended in failure. At present, the only modernized tactical unit is still the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade with wheeled Pandur II 8x8 armoured fighting vehicles (AFV). A protracted market survey to validate requirements identified four major options: BAE Systems’ CV90 MkIV; General Dynamics European Land Systems’ (GDELS) ASCOD; Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41; and the KMW-Rheinmetall Puma. It was to be the single largest public procurement programme in the country’s history, valued at over €2 billion. However, a tender for 210 vehicles (in 7 variants) with three major contenders – after PSM dropped out of the process – started only after long delays (2019). A key feature of the process was to maximize the level of participation of domestic defence industry to at least 40%. Various partnerships with local businesses were concluded to enable their substantial involvement in the manufacturing, including technology transfer, production of components and final assembly. However, the Czech Ministry of Defence was not able to evaluate the competition as none of the participants allegedly fulfilled all requirements (2021). Contenders were asked to submit to additional terms and conditions but all (but BAE) declined, bringing the process to a standstill (July). The Cabinet’s decision cancelled the tender and initiated direct negotiations with the Swedish government to acquire the CV90 instead. The combat-proven vehicle, already used by seven European countries, was a clear favourite during extensive field trials and testing (2019). Moreover, its manufacturer was the only bidder willing to accommodate additional demands and guarantee a fixed price. It is not clear if the original quantity and all parameters of the competition will be part of the new deal. However, the acquisition process will be closely coordinated with neighbouring Slovakia that also recently (June) opted for 152 CV90 MkIV platforms. Before Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine, Central and Eastern European countries were in a similar situation regarding an urgent need to recapitalize their obsolete aircraft and vehicle fleets. Replacing Soviet legacy weapon systems will at once end their traditional dependence on Russia, modernize armed forces and increase interoperability with NATO allies. In addition, they can contribute a significant part of their existing weaponry – becoming both undesirable (land) and unsupportable (air) – to Ukraine. All on condition a required backfill of modern Western equipment will be realized in a coordinated and timely fashion. To that end, the Czech MoD recently (May) concluded an agreement with Germany to receive 15 donated surplus Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBT). In addition, it will negotiate procurement of up to 50 Leopard 2A7+ as a replacement for existing T-72 MBT, joining Hungary, which has already opted for the same force mix (2018). More recently, also Slovakia secured a transfer of 15 used Leopard 2A4 from German stocks (August). CV90 CZr IFVs with MCT-30 remote weapon station. (Photo: Karel Subrt/ Wikimedia Commons/ Creative Commons) Another tactical aircraft type is the indigenous subsonic Aero L-159 ALCA, operated by the 212th Tactical and 213th Training Squadrons, with 16 L-159A aircraft and eight L-159T1+/T2 two-seat trainers in service. Recent long-range planning (August) assumes a reduction in the number of planes by half after the arrival of the F-35. The rest will serve until the end of their lifespan and could be eventually replaced by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). However, the first medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV to enter service will be the IAI Heron 1. Negotiations with the Israeli government will begin soon and a contract for the procurement of three systems could be concluded this year. No further details, precise requirements or configuration are available but the platform can fulfil intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles. Tomás Chlebecek reports regularly on issues strategic, East European, Russian and Chinese for MilTech. MT 5/2022 · 57 Bilateral air-to-air training: US and Dutch F-35As conduct a bilateral air-to-air training exercise over the Netherlands. (Photo: USAF/ Tech. Sgt. Rachel Maxwell) f
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM5Mjg=