Czechs Issue APC Bidders Shortlist, Exclude Czech Firm

The Czech military is going to replace its outdated OH-64 (BTR-60 variant) wheeled armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and possibly its BVP/BMP tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles with a new set of 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles in several variants. The Army of the Czech Republic plans to buy 199 of the vehicles, with an option on a further 35, in a deal estimated at Korunas 20-25 billion (USD $831-$1 billion). Analysts expect the contract to be awarded in mid-2006, and the tender notes delivery dates between 2007-2012. The pre-qualification questioners were evaluated by an inter-departmental commission, and the following four parties were informed that they have qualified to go forward to the second stage of the tender: * British/US firm BAE Systems Land & Armaments (see below); * Finland’s Patria Vehicles Oy (Armoured Modular Vehicle, or AMV); * Austrian firm GD Steyr Spezialfahrzeug (with the Pandur II); * Germany’s Rheinmetall Landsysteme (MPI reports that they qualified as prime contractor for the one-man 30mm turret to be mounted on the Patria AMV, but subsequent releases would note that they submitted a full armored vehicle). FNSS PARS II 8×8(click to view full) BAE Systems told Military Procurement International (MPI) that it will not reveal […]