19/05/2025
The state-owned enterprise VOP CZ (Vojenský Opravárenský Podnik CZ) signed a significant Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) today with the multinational defense company THALES, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the production of Bushmaster armored vehicles at VOP CZ in Šenov.
The agreement includes the transfer of know-how for the vehicle itself, including the left-hand drive version, which the company already uses in its latest models. Production will be based on orders that Thales receives for these vehicles in Europe. The state-owned enterprise has already provided Thales with quotes for the first inquiries regarding individual parts of this armored vehicle. The state-owned enterprise is also interested in offering the Czech Army a left-hand-drive version of the Bushmaster armored vehicle. Any contract for the Czech Army, including the design and development of individual variants and lifecycle support, would thus be carried out directly by VOP CZ.
“This agreement reflects the strength of the Bushmaster platform and the growing demand for proven solutions in the field of protected mobility. By partnering with VOP CZ, we are combining proven capabilities with local industrial expertise to better support European customers and strengthen the regional defense industry.” Andrew Downes – Vice President for Land Vehicles, Thales Australia
The Bushmaster platform is currently used by nine armies around the world, including two NATO member states. The vehicle has also been successfully deployed in conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, and most recently in Ukraine. A total of approximately 1,400 vehicles have been produced in various configurations and variants, including ambulance and engineering versions. Thanks to its monocoque body, the Bushmaster provides the crew with maximum protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosive devices. The vehicle can also be transported in transport aircraft (such as the C-130 Hercules).
“This contract is of great significance for our state-owned enterprise, as it allows us to join the supply chain of another major company in the global defense industry, thereby confirming not only our quality but also the quality of the entire Czech defense industry, which, in my opinion, is crucial for our region in terms of employment,” said VOP CZ Director Ing. Vlastimil Navrátil, MBA.