IDET 2025: New Pandur 8×8 EVO targets Czech army and export customers

A prototype of the Pandur 8×8 EVO armoured vehicle was unveiled at IDET 2025. (Michal Zdobinský)

A prototype of the Pandur 8×8 EVO armoured vehicle was unveiled at the International Defence and Security Technology Fair (IDET) 2025 held in Brno, Czech Republic, from 28 to 30 May. It was developed by Tatra Defence Vehicle (TDV), part of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), with partial technical support from General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr.

Compared to the Pandur II 8×8 CZ in Czech army service, the Pandur 8×8 EVO has a new hull with a completely redesigned lower part and increased ballistic and mine protection. The maximum weight has grown to 25 tonnes and the vehicle is no longer amphibious. The powertrain consists of a Cummins ISL 540 six-cylinder engine with an output of 405 kW at 2,200 rpm that develops a torque of 1,900 N m at 1,400 rpm, and a ZF Ecomat 6 HO 902 S six-speed automatic transmission.

The version of the wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) presented at IDET 2025 was fitted with an Elbit Systems UT30 Mk2 unmanned turret armed with a Mk 44 Bushmaster II 30 mm gun, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and a dual Spike LR/LR2 guided missile launcher. The commander and gunner have identical stabilised optoelectronic sights with automatic target tracking and hunter-killer capability. The UT30 Mk2 turret is equipped with the Iron Fist active protection system and eight 76 mm smoke grenade launchers, with the possibility of an Elbit Laser Warning System (ELAWS).