List of author's articles

The LKW 10t mil gl truck is an off-road vehicle designed to transport passengers and payload up to a maximum weight of 11,600 kg.

Off-road trucks designed for the transport of passengers and payload with a payload category of 5,000 kg (UTF 5t 6x6) or 15,000 kg (UTF 15t 8x8). The vehicles come from the UTF (Ungeschützte Transportfahrzeug) series, which replaces the MAN Category I series vehicles (LKW 5t mil gl, LKW 7t mil gl, LKW 10t mil gl) in the armament of the German Bundeswehr.

Already during the first reflections on the Czech Republic's accession to NATO, it was obvious that one of the main tasks the Czech army would have to deal with would be to ensure the compatibility of airborne target recognition systems. In the former Czechoslovakia, as in all Warsaw Pact states, the NRZ Kremnij system was used for this purpose, different from the IFF-NATO system and incompatible with ICAO standards.

Anti-aircraft missile kit from the ACR armament. The 2K12 Kub short-range anti-aircraft missile complex (NATO code SA-6 Gainful) is a mobile device designed for the air defense of important objects and groupings of ground troops against air attack.

The AA system is designed for air defense of small military and industrial facilities, units and units of ground troops, as well as to strengthen existing groups of air defense troops to ensure the destruction of targets at low altitudes using high-precision weapons of the enemy.

NATO code: SS-21 Scarab.

The vehicle on the Avia 31 chassis with the DA-12 chassis is designed for transporting the climbing rescue group, material and technical means for rescuing people and carrying out safety work at heights and above free depth.

The vehicles were deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom, where they were to perform decontamination tasks if the Iraqi military used weapons of mass destruction. After the occupation of Iraq by coalition troops, it finally supplied drinking water to the population of the Iraqi city of Basra.

The AD 20.2 mobile crane is designed for construction and assembly work even in difficult terrain. In the version for the Czech army it is built on the Tatra 815-280R21 25 270 6x6.2 chassis with a three-piece telescopic boom and a truss extension. For the needs of the Czech Armed Forces, it is also equipped with a recovery winch with 10 t rope tension and a special Z20LRT container hitch.

The AM-50 EX bridge truck is designed to bridge dry and water obstacles for the transport of equipment with parameters in MLC 50 (Military Load Classification) in accordance with STANAG 2021. For this purpose, it uses a bonded bridge structure, which allows seamless connection of individual M-50 EX bridge spans.

The AM-70 bridge car is designed for bridging dry and water obstacles for the needs of transporting equipment with parameters in MLC 70 (Military Load Classification) according to STANAG 2021. To do this, it uses a guided bridge structure, which allows seamless connection of individual bridge fields. The bridge car is equipped with a bulldozer blade, which is designed for landscaping for the construction of the bridge and for the modification of access roads.

French armoured fighting vehicle manufactured by Nexter Systems for armoured reconnaissance purposes. Equipping French cavalry units since 1981, over 240 remained in service with the French Army in 2021. 108 units were sold to Morocco and 12 to Qatar. "RC" stands for "Roues-Canon", meaning "wheeled gun". The vehicle can be described as a wheeled tank destroyer. It has also been described as a light tank, though its classification as a tank has been disputed; it is described by the term "char" (tank) in French service.

The AMX-40 was a French main battle tank developed by GIAT during the latter stages of the Cold War as an export tank to replace the earlier AMX-32. Designed to be an inexpensive tank orientated towards militaries with smaller defence budgets, the AMX-40 featured a lightly armoured hull and good mobility reminiscent of previous French MBTs with a powerful 120 mm cannon. It however failed to attract interest and sales, rendering the project a failure, being discontinued in 1990.

The ARTHUR mobile radar system is a means of detecting and locating enemy artillery fire and providing early warning of friendly troops from enemy artillery fire.

The ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development) armoured fighting vehicle family is the product of a cooperation agreement between Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG and Spanish General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas (both companies are now divisions of a unit of General Dynamics). The ASCOD family includes the LT 105 light tank equipped with a 105 mm gun, a surface-to-air missile launcher, an anti-tank guided missile launcher, mortar carrier, R&R vehicle, command and control vehicle, ambulance, artillery observer, and the AIFV model.

Chassis intended as a carrier for special superstructures of military use weighing 16,900 kg with a total permissible vehicle weight of 29,000 kg. The vehicle is equipped with ISO 1C container rails. ATX6 was designed within the cooperation between the Czech company Tatra and the American Navistar International (formerly International Harvester).

Flatbed all-terrain truck designed to transport 16 people and cargo up to a maximum weight of 21,100 kg.

The Avia A60 trucks were delivered in both flatbed and box versions for the needs of units and facilities under the Ministry of Defence. However, due to the significant expansion of the older generation of A21 and A31 trucks, they were procured in very limited quantities. Among their users was, for example, the Office of Operations and Services of the Ministry of Defence, in whose ranks the Avia A70 type also served. The heavier A75 was operated by the Agency of Communication and Information Systems or the Litomerice Metering Institute, a subordinate of the Military Intelligence Service, which provided "signal intelligence" on its behalf.

Photographs from this year's Bahna 2022, showing a reconstruction of the fighting between Czechoslovak gendarmes and Sudeten Germans in Habartov in September 1938.

A self-propelled mortar based on the Bison armoured personnel carrier, an 81 mm mortar was mounted.

The BMP-3 is a Soviet and Russian infantry fighting vehicle, successor to the BMP-1 and BMP-2. The abbreviation BMP stands for Boevaya Mashina Pekhoty (Боевая Машина Пехоты, literally "infantry combat vehicle"). It features new armour, turret, armament and modern technical elements. The vehicle has an automatic defence system for searching and destroying anti-tank guided missiles and can be equipped with reactive armour. Like its predecessors, it is amphibious and can move in water at a speed of 10 km/h.

The first Outlander MAX 800 ATVs introduced in the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic appeared in the armament of the Military Police Special Operations Unit. They were put into operation due to the upcoming deployment in Afghanistan in the province of Helmand, which began in May 2007. The Outlander MAX 800 was selected after comparison with a competing ATV from the American company Polaris.

Combat reconnaissance vehicle BPzV Svatava is an amphibious reconnaissance vehicle designed to conduct independent reconnaissance or combat activities in the rear of the opponent.

Self-propelled there howitzer CAESAR 8x8 has been selected as the replacement for the outdated howitzer vz. 77 DANA introduced in the arsenal 13th Artillery Regiment.

CAS is designed to intervene in traffic accidents, technical accidents, environmental accidents and to assist in combat and training activities of troops where there is an increased risk of fire.

The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90; Sw. Stridsfordon 90, Strf90) is a family of Swedish tracked combat vehicles designed by Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets Materielverk, FMV), Hägglunds and Bofors during the mid-1980s to early 1990s, entering service in Sweden in the mid-1990s. The CV90 platform design has continuously evolved in steps from Mk0 to current MkIV with advances in technology and in response to changing battlefield requirements. The Swedish version of the main infantry fighting vehicle is fitted with a turret from Bofors that is equipped with a 40 mm Bofors autocannon. Export versions are fitted with Hägglunds E-series turrets, armed with either a 30 mm Mk44 or a 35 mm Bushmaster autocannon.

Modernization of the self-propelled gun howitzer vz. 77 DANA with the aim of extending its life cycle and increasing its combat capabilities. Compared to the original type, the DANA-M1 CZ is characterized by higher firing accuracy, better vehicle handling and operational reliability.

Modernization of self-propelled cannon howitzer vz. 77 DANA with the aim of prolonging the life cycle and increasing its combat capabilities. Compared to the original type, it is characterized by higher accuracy of shooting, better controllability of the vehicle and reliability of operation. The device is based on the modernization of DANA-M1 CZ.

The Mirage 2000D is based on the Mirage 2000N-K2, which was a strike version designed to conduct nuclear attacks using ASMP missiles. The need for a new strike aircraft was demonstrated by the experience of the 1991 Gulf War, in which the French Air Force participated. At that time, the French felt the lack of a powerful aircraft capable of destroying ground targets with precision munitions at night and in difficult weather conditions, a sort of equivalent of the US F-15E.

Self-propelled cannon howitzer caliber 155 mm created by modernization of the type vz. 77 DANA after variant DANA-M2.

The vehicle allows routine repairs and maintenance of equipment in field conditions, or evacuation of damaged equipment.

Armored personnel carrier designed for military and police forces, based on the Czech Tatra 815-7 chassis. Conceptually, it follows the Fahd series vehicles, which were introduced into the armament of the Egyptian army in the mid-1980s.

Future Forces Exhibition is a highly recognised international event in defence & security field organised biennially in Prague and officially supported by the Czech Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, civil and military parts of the NATO HQ, European Defence Agency (EDA) and many other relevant national as well as international institutions, organisations and agencies.  

Light armored vehicle designed to perform transport, patrol and accompanying tasks with the ability to conduct combat operations against manpower and lightly armored targets.

The skid steer mini loader is a universal machine designed to perform earthworks using additional modular equipment. The front single arm is located only on the right side of the loader, allowing safe and easy entry through the side door into the cab.

The vehicle is designed for recon units (recon platoon, mechanized and light motorized battalion) of mechanized brigade of the light and of mixed type, to recon in favour of a mechanized brigade, to lead the combat activities with its weapons.

Reconnaissance equipment allows ground surveillance of the battlefield day and night and in limited visibility.

On the 8th Tank Day in Lešany on 28 August 2010, the KBVP M1 Pandur II CZ was presented to the public for the first time with modifications for deployment within the Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team stationed in Logar, Afghanistan, which began in early 2011.

The designation was derived from the Czech phrase "Komplet Radiotechnického Průzkumu" meaning "Radiotechnical Reconnaissance Set". It was claimed to be the only one in the world able to detect military "invisible aircraft".

Lightweight, airborne, hybrid anti-aircraft system designed to destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles. In the secondary role, it can be used against lightly armored enemy vehicles.

One of the candidates for a new light assault vehicle for the Czech army is the modified Arquus SABRE type, which is offered by the state enterprise Military Technical Institute under the name LEV.

The 5t mil gl / glw truck from MAN belongs to the so-called successor generation of Bundeswehr vehicles. It can be found with almost every unit and is usually part of company/battery transport kits as an ammunition or fuel carrier. Some vehicles are equipped with a cable winch.

The vehicle belongs to a group of vehicles called the Folgegeneration, which were intended to replace the first generation of trucks used by the German Bundeswehr after World War II. The origins of this series date back to the 1960s. The "middle" vehicle of this generation is the LKW 7t mil gl, under the factory designation known as MAN N 4520.

Remodelling of radiation and chemical survey vehicle BRDM-2rch to an armoured truck.

A light armoured vehicle capable of conducting combat operations against live forces and weakly protected targets by effective fire at rest and on the move.

This is a command combat vehicle derived from the basic version of the LOV 50 B, intended for the company commander.

Light armoured vehicle ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) is part of the system of army survey.

Light armoured vehicle for artillery survey is part of the fire control system of an artillery battalion.

The Panzerkampfwagen 35(t), commonly shortened to Panzer 35(t) or abbreviated as Pz.Kpfw. 35(t), was a Czechoslovak-designed light tank used mainly by Nazi Germany during World War II. The letter (t) stood for tschechisch (German for "Czech"). In Czechoslovak service, it had the formal designation Lehký tank vzor 35 (Light Tank Model 35), but was commonly referred to as the LT vz. 35 or LT-35.

The Lun-class ekranoplan flew using lift generated by the ground effect acting on its large wings when within about four metres (13 ft) above the surface of the water. Although they might look similar to traditional aircraft, ekranoplans like the Lun are not classified as aircraft, seaplanes, hovercraft, or hydrofoils. Rather, crafts like the Lun-class ekranoplan are classified as maritime ships by the International Maritime Organization due to their use of the ground effect, in which the craft glides just above the surface of the water.

The ground effect occurs when flying at an altitude of only a few meters above the ocean or ground; drag is greatly reduced by the proximity of the ground preventing the formation of wingtip vortices, thus increasing the efficiency of the wing. This effect does not occur at high altitude.

The name Lun comes from the Russian word for the harrier.

Genesis and course of the acquisition program, the aim of which was to replace the obsolete Soviet radars P-37 and PRV-17. The more than a decade-long project ended with the purchase of multi-purpose 3D radars from the Israeli company ELTA Systems.

A fighter with indomitable will, nicknamed Regi, he was a member of the Special Operations Group of the Military Police of the Army of the Czech Republic, a war veteran. Seriously wounded in a suicide attack in Gereshk village in Afghanistan (Helmand province) on 17 March 2008.

In 1963, the US Army decided to participate in an international program in which Germany, a country with extensive experience in the construction of armored vehicles, also participated. The result was to be the MBT-70 (Main Battle Tank), which was to meet the requirements of the US Army, as well as all NATO member states and, of course, to overcome all its opponents.

The F-4J version intended for service on board aircraft carriers is based on the previous F-4B variant. At the same time, it was the latest version of the Phantom designed for service in the US Armed Forces, which produced completely new aircraft.

RF-4E Phantom II was created as an export version of the RF-4C. The basic design of both aircraft is practically identical, both machines differ in only a few points.

Armoured truck created by the adjustment of the infantry fighting vehicles BVP-1 (BMP-1).

The MORANA self-propelled gun howitzer is designed to engage enemy artillery; to silence and destroy command posts, fire assets, combat equipment, logistic support assets, and enemy live forces; and to destroy permanent defensive structures and field defensive objects. May conduct indirect and direct fire.

Swiss anti-tank missile carrier. It is based on a MOWAG Piranha I 6x6 armored personnel carrier chassis.

The mobile hygienic-epidemiological laboratory is designed to provide basic laboratory examinations necessary for the hygienic and anti-epidemiological security of troops in field conditions, including veterinary examinations.

The Primoco UAV One 150 is a high-flying aircraft with a wingspan of almost 5 metres and a maximum take-off weight of 150 kg. The chosen weight limitation was selected in view of the requirement to categorize the aircraft in military operations subject to NATO STANAG 4703 and in a civil environment as a representative of a specific category (EASA). In practice, this requirement ensures a high degree of adaptability to the individual conditions of each customer and its aviation authority with the possibility of changes. Primoco UAV One 150 offers a payload capacity of up to 30 kg.

Mobile testing laboratory designed to measure the parameters of jet engines for a comprehensive assessment of their overall technical condition with regard to safety, reliability and maintaining the required performance.

Automated system of command, control and information processing. The device provides a covert transmission of data needed to control the firing of anti-aircraft missile batteries. At the same time, it coordinates and ensures the local protection of anti-aircraft missile batteries and enables communication provision for command and control from a superior level via a line, radio relay and VHF radio connection.

Reconnaissance and observation vehicle designed to perform artillery reconnaissance.

Light tank designed and produced by the Czechoslovak company ČKD-Praga for the Swiss army. Between 1938 and 1939, 24 units were produced and served in Switzerland under the designation Panzerwagen 39 until the early 1950s.

The armoured mobile command post, designed to secure uninterrupted command of the mechanized unit.

RACCOS is a mobile automated command and fire control system that allows to receive, process and continuously evaluate information about the air and tactical situation. The system is fully digitised, highly automated, with many operations taking place in the background, i.e. without displays and with minimal operator requirements. Air situation information and commands are transmitted in real time. RACCOS displays the merged air situation, predicts target positions, provides, to the extent necessary, an overview of the air situation with respect to the location of defended objects and suggests the optimal allocation of targets to subordinate firing elements according to their position and tactical parameters. The system is also used to collect, evaluate and prepare documents for the command and control of anti-aircraft combat operations.

During the Second World War, a demand arose on the German side for operational information on the air situation. Building stationary radar bases was demanding both financially and in time. Therefore, the idea arose to install radars on railway bogies and build so-called signaling trains (Fernflugmelde-Meßzug).

The article captures the more than 20-year service of reconnaissance Phantoms with the Luftwaffe. It also includes a brief technical description of the RF-4E aircraft and a mention of their maintenance and repairs.

The article introduces the third upgrade of the vz. 70 rocket launcher currently in combat use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Flatbed all-terrain truck designed to transport up to 20 people and cargo up to a maximum weight of 5,290 kg.

The Scammell Commander was a heavy equipment transporter manufactured by Scammell for the Royal Corps of Transport. It is a tank transporter of UK origin, developed mid 1970’s to succeed the Thornycroft Antar in UK military service. It entered service in 1984 and between 1983 and 1985, 125 were built with the Royal Corps of Transport the being the sole customer. Most were operated with the British Army of the Rhine by 7 Tank Transporter Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport, in West Germany, with only a few in the United Kingdom. They were extensively used in the Gulf War in the early 1990s. All were replaced by Oshkosh M1070s in the 2000s.

The MH-60A is the first version of the Black Hawk helicopters designed to perform special operations. The machine, nicknamed the "Velcro Hawk", is primarily intended for covert infiltration of special purpose units into the depths of the enemy's territory, their eventual supply and subsequent covert withdrawal during the day, night and in difficult weather conditions.

The Patria Pasi (earlier known as the Sisu Pasi) is a Finnish-made six-wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC) originally designed for Finnish Defence Forces. The first variant was produced in 1983 and serial production began in 1984. It was designed to operate with ease of use, simple structure and low-cost maintenance. The basic appearance and configuration of the Pasi is similar to most other wheeled APCs. The XA-180 and XA-185 are fully amphibious while other variants are not.

SP70 (in German also Panzerhaubitze 70 or Panzerhaubitze 155-1) self-propelled gun was a scheme set up by several European nations including the UK, Germany and Italy beginning in 1973. The project was shelved in favour of the US M109, which was already in service. The SP70 was 'outgunned' on several occasions by the M109 and further development was cancelled in the 1980s.

Mobile short-range and medium-range anti-aircraft missile system designed to destroy enemy combat aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and other types of guided air ammunition.

On Friday, September 25, 2020, Minister of Defense Lubomír Metnar informed the government that the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic had decided to initiate negotiations with the Government of the State of Israel on the possibility of acquiring a new modern anti-aircraft missile system for the Czech Army. It is designed to ensure the continuous defense of the airspace of the Czech Republic, especially the protection of troops and urban agglomerations, nuclear power plants, industrial centers, airports and other important facilities.

The T-72EA is a tracked combat main battle tank fitted with an efficient firing system and a reliable armoured protection and endowed with a high manoeuvring ability. The T-72 low silhouette as compared to other contemporary tanks is a decisive factor of excellent passive protection. The tank crew comprises of 3 men – a tank commander, a gunner and a driver.

Self-propelled cannon howitzer designed to fight artillery and mortars of the enemy, to silence and destroy the command posts, fire and radio equipment and manpower of the enemy, demolition of permanent defensive structures and field defenses.

A military vehicle with an armored cabin designed for the transport of bulk and fixed piece material and persons. This is the first all-terrain truck in the Czech Armed Forces, where ballistic protection of the crew cabin was used. The armor of the cabin was caused by the need to ensure the protection of persons in the cabin when deploying vehicles in foreign missions.

The off-road special medium-duty car - a flatbed with a lifting front - enables the loading and folding of material on the loading surface of the vehicle with its own, rear-mounted lifting front with a load capacity of up to 1,500 kg. The flatbed platform is intended only for the transport of material - unlike the classic T810-V flatbeds, it is not equipped with folding benches for the transport of people.

An off-road vehicle built on the Tatra 815-7T3R31.411 6x6.1R chassis designed for transporting one squad armed with the RBS-70 NG anti-aircraft missile set. Part of the flatbed body is a metal structure used for storing and securing the main and additional parts of one RBS-70 NG system, six pieces of RBS-70 MK1, RBS-70 MK2 or BOLIDE missiles and equipment of individual members of the anti-aircraft squad. The vehicle carries a crew of two persons in the cab and four seated persons with equipment and gear on the hull. The vehicle can be fitted with the MM-BF-T815-V6x6PVO mobile camouflage kit.

Workshop vehicles Tatra 815-7-D 8x8 In and Tatra 815-7-D 8x8 are destined to the implementation of the technical maintenance of peace time repairs and war current and medium repairs (according to the variants workshop vehicle) wheeled armored vehicles (KBV and KOT) number of Pandur II CZ.

Chassis designed as a carrier for special military bodies weighing 9,400 kg with a total permissible vehicle weight of 19,000 kg. The T815-780R59 is a two-axle vehicle with all-wheel drive and a system for central tire inflation while driving.

Chassis designed as a carrier for special superstructures of military use with a maximum weight of 15,900 kg with a total permissible vehicle weight of 29,000 kg. The T815-7T3R31 is a three-axle vehicle with all-wheel drive and a central tire inflation system while driving.

Shovel excavator for military use mounted on Tatra 815-7T3R32/41X automotive chassis. It is designed for earthworks, mainly for finishing earthworks and, with the use of suitable tools, for excavation and other earthworks (building and maintenance of utility networks, digging foundation trenches, canals) also in an environment contaminated with combat poisonous and biological substances.

A new generation of 6x6 and 8x8 off-road trucks for the German Bundeswehr.

The VCA-155 (Vehículo de combate de Artillería, Artillery Combat Vehicle) is a self-propelled 155mm gun/howitzer, manufactured by TAMSE (Tanque Argentino Mediano Sociedad del Estado) which entered service in the late 1990s.

The Věra S/M set is intended for searching, identification and tracking of air, land and sea targets.

The VERA-NG set is designed for searching, identification and tracking of air, land and sea targets. It represents the fifth generation of Czechoslovak and Czech passive surveillance systems for military use (Kopáč, Ramona, Tamara, Věra).

Command armoured vehicles VOV are designed especially for the mobile command of mechanized battalions and to secure the command and control of mechanized battalion (heavy type) incorporated in the framework of the alliance group or when participating in peace-support operations outside their own territory.

Command vehicle VP-90 is combat tracked armoured vehicle whose base is an armoured transporter OT-90. Formed by extending the coupling device and the means for the orientation of the original armoured vehicles with the aim of creating conditions for the work of the commanders of the mechanized units. His modernization created a version VP-90M1.

Workplace of the commander of the mechanized company.

The vehicle is the basic building element of the command posts of the units of operational and tactical levels for light infantry, mechanized, special, support, and security units and units of air forces static and on the move. Provides a technical means of radio communication, hardware and software for the work of the commander and staff.

The armoured vehicle designed for the transport of persons and other cargo across the battlefield. The vehicle is primarily designed for combat deployment in urban areas and conflicts of low intensity. It was created based on the experience of the Israeli army and its fight against the Palestinians in Gaza strip and the West Bank.

This APC has improved armor protection over the original series. Armor upgrade was initiated after it was realized that protection of the previous vehicles was inadequate especially during peacekeeping operations. According to some reposts the older XA-180 and XA-185 models could be penetrated by 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds in certain spots. Protection of the XA-203 can be further enhanced with add-on armor plates. This appliqué armor is relatively light, however it provides protection from up to 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds. Some sources claim that the XA-200 series vehicles with add-on armor can withstand 14.5 mm projectiles. This protection can be installed by the crew in field conditions.

AMOS or Advanced Mortar System is a Finno-Swedish 120 mm semi-automatic twin barrelled, breech loaded mortar turret. AMOS has been fitted to a wide range of armoured vehicles, such as the Sisu Pasi, Patria AMV and Combat Vehicle 90. The Swedish Navy originally planned to fit AMOS to the CB90 assault craft, but found that it was too small to carry it. Instead, a project to develop the larger Combat Boat 2010 was launched specifically to carry AMOS. Sweden cancelled its acquisition of the AMOS in 2009 due to budget regulations by recommendations from Genomförandegruppen. In 2016 a new self propelled mortar system called Mjölner based on a CV90 hull was ordered by the Swedish armed forces, it is based on the AMOS and has many visual similarities but is not as advanced.

On April 17, 1957, Resolution No. 426-211 of the Soviet of Ministers of the USSR on the development of new self-propelled anti-aircraft means Shilka and Jenisej with radar fire control means was adopted. This was, in fact, the answer to the introduction of the M42A1 into the US military.