On its website army.cz the Czech Army presents and explains sixteen uncrossable requirements for its new tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV). The tender, worth CZK 53 billion (USD 2.37 billion), is the biggest acquistion project in modern history of the Czech Army. The army needs 210 vehicles: why? Why manned turrets? Why crew of 3+8? We think it is useful to offer translation of this official of answers.
1. Why 210 vehicles?
This number is based on the long-term conception of military development (the Conception of Buildup of the Army of the Czech Republic) and the commitments to the Alliance (NATO) to deploy a “heavy brigade”. Practically it means armament of three mechanized battalions, tank battalion, combat support units, combat service support units, as well as training units. This "heavy brigade" will be based on the 7th Mechanized Brigade, where each mechanized battalion will be armed with 56 vehicles in 7 variants.
See also: Czech Army’s Modernization Projects: the IFVs
2. Why 29 mobile workshop vehicles?
For such a large number of tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles it is necessary to ensure sufficient maintenance. Mobile Workshop Vehicles on the 8x8 platform are designed for units both in action and at the rear. For combat units, we plan 21 vehicles, one for combat support units, six for combat service support, and one for training. Mobile Workshop Vehicles are part of the entire acquisition of the tracked IFV's to logistically secure the entire vehicle life cycle.
3. Why do we want to integrate the information and weapon system?
We want to connect new vehicles to the Czech Army and NATO systems to allow them to operate on the future battlefield. We digitize the battlefield with the appropriate level of security that is necessary in future military operations. Integrated and networked weapon platforms enable more efficient combat operations.
4. Why do we want ballistic protection for this type of vehicle at at level K5 as minimum?
We want to provide the highest possible level of protection for the soldiers, which the current tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles (BVP-2, BMP-2) are far from reaching. We follow current trends and commitments to NATO for the deployment of a "heavy brigade". K5 level is one of the two highest possible protection options available on the market.
5. Why do we want a manned turret (soldiers will be inside the turret)?
Our combat experience commands that in this type of vehicles the soldiers must have an excellent situational awarness in urban areas. Without a quick and accurate orientation, they can't do direct front-line contact with the enemy. They must identify the target easily and quickly, and have visual contact with the dismounted troopers. The advantage of this type of turret is its simple construction, which significantly reduces the probability of failure. When a defect occurs, it can be repaired from inside the turret where the soldiers are protected all the time. The same advantage is reloading. There is no need to retreat from combat.
See also: Czech Infantry Fighting Vehicle Tender – manned or unmanned turrets?
6. Why do we want a 30mm rapid-fire automatic cannon?
Cannon caliber is related to our commitment to NATO for the "heavy brigade". We already have the same cannon on the wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Pandur), so we want to unify the caliber. Modern cannons can also be used for programmable ammunition, where we are primarily interested in the destructive effect, which does not depend only on the caliber. We also think ahead so that we can replace this cannon with a more powerful one with a different caliber, without a need to change the entire turret .
7. Why do we want the crew of at least 11?
In modern combat, we need to have a number of specialists in the new tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle. We base this on our own combat experience from a number of deployments abroad. These specialists are indispensable for the guiding the aircraft or artillery, they will control drones or contribute to the situation awarness on the battlefield. The troop compartment in the vehicle can also be used for eight-strong squads, which is able to deploy two four-member teams after dismounting. This is how we build our tactics. We have a clear idea of how we will use our units in the future to be able to respond to combat situations with flexibility.
See also: Czech IFV tender - new requirements and controversies
8. Why do we want protection against Mines?
We want to give the soldiers the highest degree of protection. In a high-intensity conflict, when we count on fighting an equally advanced adversary, the level of this protection is unconditional. Expertly: minimum protection M4a (under the track) and M4b (under the vehicle) according to STANAG 4569. The vehicle must protect the soldiers against a mine of up to ten kilograms.
9. Why do we want protection against Improvised Explosive Devices?
Protecting soldiers is the most important thing for us. In the low-intensity conflicts we know from Afghanistan, for example, we experienced what such an IED can do. That is why we want, for our new vehicles, the best level of protection according to STANAG 4569, to ensure this and prevent injuries or death of soldiers inside the vehicle. It is based also on Alliance documents for the deployment of a "heavy brigade".
10. Why do we want Anti-Tank Guided Missiles?
The new tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle must prevail in a high-intensity combat conflict. Without missiles it just doesn't work on today's battlefield. We use a similar missile already with the Pandur and we do have combat experience with it. But we want this to be advanced, since the next generation (of missiles) has already been developed.
11. Why do we want active protection?
For maximum crew safety, it is today necessary to equip the modern vehicle with active protection. It is the standard of all advanced armies. In practice, it is the destruction of enemy ammunition before its impact on the vehicle itself. It is therefore the elimination of three hits to one point at 360° around the entire vehicle. We have advanced technologies to thoroughly examine this requirement and thus protect soldiers iside the tracked IFV from being hit by the enemy.
12. Why do we want to test the vehicle?
Before the Ministry of Defence signs the contract, we want to try the real existing tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle that meets the required parameters.
13. Why do we want a qualified supplier?
The supplier must have a global reputation and be reliable. We don't want to underestimate anything. Only well-proven companies with experience in such large-scale trading with advanced armies will be able to meet their commitments. We will not simply rely on companies that do not have a good reputation around the world.
See also: The Infantry Fighting Vehicles tender for the Czech Army
14. Why do we want to involve our industry with at least 40 % of the price?
As far as Czech companies are concerned, our understandable requirement is their robust engagement in the contract with at least 40 % of the acquisition price. This is the minimum value. Every additional percentage will be taken into account when evaluating bids. We chose the 40 % limit with regard to the current real possibilities of the Czech defence industry.
15. Why do we want to use an exclusively state-owned enterprise to provide the lifecycle maintenance?
The VOP CZ, a state-owned company, will guarantee the involvement of Czech companies. Service will be provided as soon as needed. At the same time, the company can also adequately modernize the vehicles according to future requirements of the Army. It has the necessary personnel and technology for this task. It is a state enterprise of the Ministry of Defence. Its primary task is to protect our security interests.
16. Why do we want a license?
We have learned from the past. We are responding to the experience gained during other projects. Servicing or modernization will thus be fully under the control of the Ministry of Defence. The license is included in the price of the entire contract. It will therefore also be a very good tool for negotiating with the bidders on the final price in a fair competition.
See also: Czech tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle tender - answers by the Army
Source: Nová BVP, army.cz