The state-owned company VOP CZ underwent restructuring and significant changes after the appointment of its new director, Vlastimil Navrátil. The company has turned its finances around, stabilized its staffing, and, most importantly, returned to what it was founded for almost 80 years ago: to be a manufacturer and provider of repairs, upgrades, and services in the field of defense and security in the Czech Republic. VOP CZ is systematically creating conditions to strengthen its position as an integrator and supplier of modern military equipment and systems, especially for the Czech Army and state security forces. Like other state-owned companies in the defense sector, VOP CZ is also embarking on new projects related to Western platforms.

Video: VOP CZ is preparing to assemble CV90 armored vehicles and wants to participate in servicing new tanks for the Czech Armed Forces / CZ DEFENCE

One of the fundamental advantages of VOP CZ is the fact that it can manufacture a large part of the necessary parts itself. However, this requires modernization and optimization of operations, which has been underway since 2022. “We have new technologies, such as a six-meter laser, a new press brake, a cutting saw, and a new machining center,” says Production Director Lukáš Balušík.

According to him, these machines will be used not only in the assembly of CV90 tracked IFVs for the Czech Army, but also in the production of containers, which are a new addition to the state-owned company's product range. “In general, new machines bring innovation, higher speed, efficiency, and better usability,” adds Lukáš Drábek, Technical Director at VOP CZ.

VOP CZ is currently working intensively on several new projects. In addition to the production of containers, it is also preparing the production of armored cabins for IVECO vehicles, which the state-owned company is supplying to the German company KNDS. “In connection with this investment and the launch of the project, we will convert the hall where military equipment is currently serviced into a hall focused on welding. The contract is currently a framework agreement for approximately 130 cabins, but the final volume could be up to three times that,” says Lukáš Drábek. The cabins will be finally integrated by KNDS and delivered to Iveco. “For this project, we have to undergo certification by the German Bundeswehr in accordance with the DIN Q3 BK1 standard, which is the highest level of welding – all parameters such as heat quantity, procedures, and controls are monitored,” explains Drábek, adding that this welding method brings a completely new and unique capability to the company. “In the coming weeks, we will undergo an audit by the Bundeswehr, during which we will produce test samples and test them in laboratories. Once we obtain Q3 certification, we will be authorized to supply welded vehicles, such as Leopard tanks and other armored vehicles,” adds Drábek.

However, VOP CZ is most often mentioned in connection with the CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicle project for the Czech Army, for which it is the state-owned integrator. Among other things, this requires adapting selected areas of the Šenov plant. For example, the CV90 project will involve extensive reconstruction of one of the halls, which will serve as a storage area for input components. Just to give you an idea, depending on the type, each IFV consists of approximately 2,500 components.

Hall 6, where the main assembly line for CV90 tracked armored vehicles will be built, will undergo a complete transformation. “We will bring the cabins from Sweden as welded hulls, which we will assemble here, including testing and final delivery to the customer,” describes Drábek. Production will take place at workstations. “This is not classic tracked vehicle production, but something similar. At the first station, wheels are mounted on the bare hull, making the vehicle mobile. It is then moved by special trolleys to the next workstation, where cabling, piping, and other components are installed,” explains the technical director.

The hall will have a total of 14 stations, each staffed by a team of four. The equipment meets 21st century requirements. “Compared to the current technology used by the Czech Armed Forces, CV90 vehicles are much more modern. They contain more electronics, so it is necessary to build modern diagnostic systems, computer interfaces, and ensure digital process control,” adds Drábek.

In addition to the necessary modifications to the halls and other premises at the company, VOP CZ is also creating modern research facilities that will develop the original intention of assembling armored vehicles. An important part of the company's development is the research and development building. "This building is deliberately separate so that our developers have optimal conditions for their work. They work in teams, close to each other, promotes discussion and the development of effective technical solutions," explains technical project manager Lukáš Drozdek. Currently, they are focusing primarily on the CV90 project for the Czech Army. Two variants are being developed – an ambulance and a forward observer (artillery observation post). The third area is the development of workshop equipment on the Tatra 8×8 chassis for service purposes. The results of research related to the CV90 project for the Czech Army are continuously consulted and approved by BAE Systems.

Regarding new opportunities for VOP CZ within the framework of Q3 cabin welding certification, the director of the state-owned enterprise claims that this will likely create the largest concentration of qualified and certified welders in Central Europe. However, staffing remains a challenge for the state-owned enterprise. “Of course, we have a problem finding people. We have to motivate them not only financially, but also with other benefits. This applies to both manual professions and, in particular, the project department, where specific expertise needs to be constantly supplemented,” explains the director. VOP CZ therefore cooperates with secondary schools, universities, and the Chamber of Commerce. “We have our own recruitment activities. This year, we launched the first edition of the VOP Jump Day project, which aims to reach all types of schools. We cooperate with the UNOB robotics center, the Czech University of Life Sciences, and the Czech Technical University,” says Navrátil.

In the past, the military repair company was primarily known for repairing tanks, so we were interested in whether this capability would return to Šenov. “I believe it will, and I can almost promise it. We want to participate in the servicing and life cycle of new tanks for the Czech Army. Today, these are Leopard 2A4 tanks, and hopefully, in time, we will also work on the more modern 2A8 variant,” concludes Vlastimil Navrátil, director of the state-owned enterprise.