The cancellation of the Czech Republic's order for Pandur 8x8s is news. It is not, however, totally unexpected. The agreement had been signed during the last weeks of the previous government and selection of a singular APC platform has been questioned. In August, for example, Croatia chose the Finnish Patria vehicle but is receiving a mixture of 8x8 and 6x6 platforms.Whatever the reason(s) are for the cancellation reported quality issues effecting acceptance of initial deliveries were reasons enough. What will happen? Certainly manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge is not going to let a billion dollar contract die without a fight. Expect to hear them come back with a mixed platform offering, at least. Original contract semifinalists Patria and Rheinmetall are bound to be knocking on doors in Prague as we speak.
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