VOP CZ sign memorandum with Thales

On Wednesday, 24 May, during the 30th edition of the most important international defence and security technology fair IDET in Brno, representatives of the VOP CZ management signed a memorandum of cooperation with Thales regarding the possibility of introducing the Bushmaster vehicle for the needs of the Czech Armed Forces. The signing took place in the presence of the Australian Ambassador Mr. Lloyd D. Hargreave Brodrick, the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic Lieutenant General Karel Rehka and Deputy Minister of Defence Daniel Blažkovec.

“This memorandum is the result of long-term negotiations based on the feasibility study for the universal wheeled platform of the engineer troops of the Army of the Czech Republic, which recommended the Bushmaster vehicles as the solution,” says Marek Špok, director of VOP CZ s.p., adding “former Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, Army General Aleš Opata, confirmed VOP CZ’s interest in acquiring these vehicles in 2022, adding that the Army of the Czech Republic has started the preparatory phase of the tender in 2022.”

“The Bushmaster protected military vehicle has proven itself in operations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Pacific and is well known for its ability to protect soldiers on the ground and save lives during operations. Thales is committed to working with VOP CZ and PRAMACOM-HT and we are excited about the opportunity to support the Czech Army with this cutting-edge capability,” said Günther Trummer, Vice President of Thales Central Europe

The main industrial partner of Thales in the Czech Republic is the Czech company PRAMACOM-HT. “The aim is to introduce the Bushmaster vehicle for the needs of the Czech Army, especially for the engineer troops. Together with Thales and VOP CZ, we will cooperate and participate in its integration and in the delivery of selected systems in the field of optoelectronics, communications and C4ISTAR and adapt it to the specific requirements of the Czech Army,” said Jiří Oulehla, managing director of PRAMACOM-HT.