Czech MOD to resume talks with Steyr

The Czech Defence Ministry will resume negotiations with the Austrian arms producer Steyr on the delivery of armoured personnel carriers for the Czech Army, Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek said on Wednesday. If no agreement is reached by March 5, the government will initiate another public tender for a supplier of the APCs. The government withdrew from the original contract with Steyr for 199 APCs in December last year due to the failure by the Austrian manufacturer to meet conditions in the deal.

In related news, the Finnish weapons producer Patria has offered to supply the Czech Army with its own armoured vehicles. The Finnish manufacturer said that the first 30 armoured vehicles could be delivered within three to four months.