Czechia’s Ministry of Defense has taken a significant step towards modernizing its military capabilities by announcing the acquisition of 18 Supacat HMT Extenda light armored vehicles for its army’s special forces. The procurement will be facilitated by the Czech defense firm LPP, while the state-owned company VTÚ will oversee the acquisition and integration of weapons, communications, and systems essential for the vehicles’ operational effectiveness.
The financial commitment for the chassis is approximately 32.6 million pounds, equivalent to $44 million. Additionally, the integration of various systems, following a technical evaluation, is projected to cost around 810 million Czech koruna, or $39 million. These new Supacat Extenda vehicles will replace the aging fleet of Land Rover platforms currently used by the Czech Army’s 601st Special Forces Group.
Karel Řehka, the Chief of the General Staff of the Military of the Czech Republic, emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating it significantly enhances the mobility and operational readiness of the special forces. He noted that the need to replace outdated light combat vehicles had been long recognized, making this transition not only timely but essential for alignment with national and NATO operational goals.
The Supacat HMT Extenda, produced by the British manufacturer Supacat, was selected after a rigorous feasibility study that evaluated 13 contenders from 2020 to 2021. Learning from operational experiences in regions such as Afghanistan and Mali, the requirements for the new vehicle focused on superior mobility, cross-country capability in rugged terrains, high payload capacity for extended independent operations, and a modular design that allows for rapid adjustments to suit specific missions. Additionally, the vehicle’s capability to be deployed via air transport further underscored its operational versatility.
The HMT Extenda addresses various limitations posed by the existing Land Rover Defender 110 Special Operations Vehicle, which has been deemed insufficient for modern military engagements due to its limited carrying capacity, low protection levels, and outdated design features.
The Supacat HMT Extenda is notable for its enhanced mobility, protection, payload, and firepower. Its design allows for a quick transition between 4×4 and 6×6 configurations by adding or removing a third axle. The 4×4 version can support up to 2,100 kilograms (4,629 pounds), while the 6×6 configuration can carry up to 3,900 kilograms (8,598 pounds), allowing for the transport of a wide range of mission-specific equipment.
Moreover, the vehicle can be equipped with optional mine blast and ballistic protection kits, adding an extra layer of safety for personnel operating in hostile environments. A standard Extenda can accommodate four crew members, while the Mk2 variant has the capacity for six. It boasts a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) and has a road range of up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
The Supacat HMT Extenda is already in use as a standard platform for special forces among several NATO countries, including the UK, USA, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand, and Ukraine, which enhances logistical support and operational interoperability during joint missions. With this acquisition, Czechia aims not just to upgrade its military capabilities but to strengthen its role within NATO and enhance collective defense operations.
