Czech Armoured Vehicles to Get AI Upgrade as Axon Vision and CSG Join Forces

In a significant step toward modernizing European armoured vehicle fleets, Israeli defence tech company Axon Vision has partnered with the Czech Republic’s Czechoslovak Group (CSG) to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into battlefield systems. The first project under this new alliance focuses on installing Axon Vision’s EdgeSA AI-powered situational awareness system into the Czech Army’s PANDUR 8×8 EVO vehicles.

This system upgrade isn’t just about adding new tech—it’s about transforming how armoured vehicles operate in complex combat scenarios. The EdgeSA platform uses real-time data fusion from multiple sensors to help crews detect threats earlier, make faster decisions, and stay aware of their surroundings, even in closed-hatch conditions. For soldiers inside, this translates into better survivability, reduced stress, and quicker reaction times.

After a competitive evaluation process, the EdgeSA system was chosen for its top performance across critical metrics like threat detection, reliability, and adaptability. Its modular and platform-agnostic design means it can be fitted not just into PANDUR vehicles, but also into future land, air, or sea platforms—whether manned or unmanned.

The project is being led by Retia, a subsidiary of CSG, which has developed a dedicated product line called SAAV (Situational Awareness for Armored Vehicles) to support integration and customisation for different vehicle types. Retia’s CEO, Jan Mikulecký, emphasized that selecting Axon Vision was based on their proven excellence in AI battlefield technologies.

The collaboration also fits well with the long-term vision of Tatra Defence Vehicle (TDV), the Czech manufacturer behind both the PANDUR 8×8 EVO and the new TADEAS 6×6 platforms. Future plans include the possible integration of the EdgeSA system into TADEAS vehicles, expanding the reach of AI-enhanced capabilities across NATO markets.

TDV’s CEO, Tomáš Mohapl, highlighted the importance of partnering with Israeli defence firms to ensure their armoured vehicles are equipped with top-tier software and electronic systems, particularly as competition intensifies in global defence markets.

From Axon Vision’s side, CEO Roy Riftin called the collaboration a milestone that reinforces their growing role in European defence. He noted that EdgeSA’s AI is redefining armoured vehicle operations by delivering live, actionable intelligence to crews on the move.

This deal is more than just a technological upgrade—it reflects a broader trend in global defence: AI is rapidly becoming central to modern warfare, especially in the realm of situational awareness and decision-making. With battlefields becoming faster and more unpredictable, having real-time intelligence inside a vehicle can make the difference between mission success and failure.

For Europe, especially NATO countries, this partnership signals a move toward greater autonomy, resilience, and operational efficiency in land combat operations. It also shows how alliances between high-tech Israeli firms and European defence manufacturers are becoming strategic tools to boost competitiveness against rising military technologies from other parts of the world.

As EdgeSA rolls out on Czech vehicles, it sets a precedent that may soon ripple across allied nations, accelerating the global shift to AI-driven warfare.