According a story published Friday in Jane´s International Defence Review website, the Czech Republic has upgraded some of its General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr GmbH/VOP 025 Nový Jičín Sp PANDUR 2 KBVP (Kolových Bojových Vozidel Pěchoty) wheeled armoured infantry fighting vehicles in order to send them to Afghanistan.

The modified vehicles designed KBVP M1 will deploy to theater in October said the author of the story.

Upgrades includes a new light ceramic armour suite developed and produced by Vojenský Technický Ústav Ochrany with materials provided by CeramTec-ETEC GmbH and Saint-Gobain Advanced Ceramics sro, a slat armour protection, a URC Systems spol Sro STAR Light 3 jammer, MESIT Přístroje spol Sro VICM 180.1930 intercom system as well as the Harris RF Communications AN/VRC-110 multi-band radio.

The Portuguese Army which is receiving 240 PANDUR II vehicles should follow the Czech decision and deploy vehicles to Kosovo where Portuguese troops are using old Chaimite V-200 armored cars.

Portuguese PANDURs are equipped with a good protection suite and the situation in Kosovo theatre doesn’t need any upgrades but yes a suitable logistic support.