Czech MoD launches RFP for tracked IFV procurement

PUMA

ASCOD

LYNX

CV90

via Janes

The Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website on 6 August that it had made a request for proposals (RFP) to four companies for the procurement of 210 tracked infantry fighting vehicles to replace its BMP-2s.

The four potential bidders are BAE Systems Hägglunds with the CV90, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) with the ASCOD, Rheinmetall with the Lynx, and Rheinmetall-Krauss-Maffei Wegmann 50:50 joint venture Projekt System Management (PSM) with the Puma.

The Czech MoD said it expected the potential suppliers to show how the vehicles they are offering meet its requirements and delivery schedule; provide the price of the vehicles, training, life-cycle, and spare parts; and propose how to involve Czech industry.

A couple of things.  First the Puma and CV90 seem long in the tooth.  Don't know why but I really get that impression.  Next, the Puma seems to have gotten a bit of "fanboy" love but I have yet to see it win a competition in the recent past.  Issues that the German Army presented to KMW seem to be lingering.  Then we have the ASCOD.  The Brits seem to be operating (or soon to be operating) the most formidable version of that vehicle.  Interesting.  A refresh does wonders for impressions of a rig.  Last the Lynx.  Its got that futuristic feel to it but its got to win.  Otherwise its going down the road of the last great vehicle that didn't get any orders...the BAE SEP Alligator.