Croatia has officially entered into a multinational framework contract with Tatra to procure T-815 military trucks from the Czech Republic. This agreement allows the Croatian Armed Forces to order up to 420 vehicles configured in both 6×6 and 8×8 layouts.
The signing of the contract took place in Prague, where officials from the Czech Ministry of Defence’s Armament and Acquisitions Section met with representatives from Croatia’s Armaments Directorate and Tatra Defence Systems CEO Marek Sekanina. This partnership marks a significant step for Croatia, allowing it to join a growing consortium focused on enhancing operational capabilities through advanced military vehicles.
The acquisition of T-815 trucks aligns with a similar commitment made by Slovakia, which indicates the increasing interest among allied nations in Tatra’s established technology. Tatra has noted that this joint contract not only fortifies international cooperation in defense technology but also streamlines military vehicle procurement, supporting the long-term export activities of the Czech defense sector.
In December of the previous year, Tatra confirmed the initial framework contract with Croatia, which encompasses the T-815 trucks in 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 configurations across 24 different models. The separate agreement with Slovakia has established a long-term approach for their armed forces to acquire vehicles that meet specific operational needs. This broader initiative has a total estimated cost of €1.03 billion ($1.1 billion), not including value-added tax, for the entire scope of orders.
The T-815 military truck—also known as T-815-7, T-817, or “Tatra Force”—is built on a commercial platform that has been a staple for heavy transport tasks since its introduction in the 1980s. The tactical variants entered production in 2007 and range from 4×4 to 10×10 configurations for various international clients.
This robust vehicle serves multiple purposes beyond simple logistics; it can be adapted into armored personnel carriers, mine-resistant ambush vehicles, and platforms for self-propelled artillery and rocket systems. Notable specifications of the Tatra Force include a length of 9 meters (30 feet), a weight of 13,300 kilograms (29,321 pounds), and a fuel capacity of 420 liters. It is equipped with a Tatra T3C-928-90 V8 air-cooled turbocharged engine that produces around 400 horsepower, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of 115 kilometers (71 miles) per hour and maintain a range of 750 kilometers (466 miles).
These developments signal a pivotal advancement in military capabilities for Croatia and Slovakia, reflecting a growing trend of collaborative defense procurement within the region.
