Ukraine can draw valuable lessons from the Czech Republic’s localization and procurement deal for CV90 IFVs. VOP CZ, based in Šenov u Nového Jičína, has launched a large-scale modernization project valued at approximately 80 million Czech crowns (around $3.2 million).
The company’s workshops, which currently handle repairs of Soviet tanks and BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, are being upgraded to support the production and final assembly of modern armored platforms. According to natoaktual.cz, the modernization includes comprehensive refurbishment of the facilities, including new flooring, overhead cranes, part storage systems, and preparation for the assembly line. New gates will also be installed, along with special testing bays where each vehicle will undergo final trials before delivery.
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In addition to workshop upgrades, a significant portion of the investment will be used to build a new storage facility capable of holding up to 20 completed vehicles prior to their transfer to the Czech Armed Forces. The facility’s security systems will also be enhanced to ensure the protection and confidentiality of sensitive components.
This initiative provides a clear example of how a legacy repair facility can be repurposed to support the production of modern defense systems. Alongside manufacturing upgrades, new storage infrastructure is being developed to meet the specific requirements of next-generation platforms.
Another critical element in CV90 production is field testing. VOP CZ has already begun upgrading its proving ground, including reinforcing surfaces, shaping terrain, and building a brake test hill to simulate operational stress.
After final assembly, each CV90 will undergo a 10 to 15 kilometer test run to verify full system functionality and identify any defects. The cost of upgrading the test site is estimated at 1.5 million Czech crowns (roughly $60,500) and will include precisely designed slopes, uneven terrain, and turn radii to replicate combat conditions.
This case illustrates that localization is a complex, multi-layered process. Even companies with an existing industrial base capable of working on armored vehicles require significant infrastructure upgrades to meet modern standards. What was sufficient for servicing Soviet-era systems is no longer adequate for working with more sophisticated and sensitive platforms.
For Ukraine, this provides a valuable lesson, especially given the potential future need to localize production of various types of Western military equipment. One prominent example is the possible assembly of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall.
Ukraine already has a strong tradition not only in repairing, but also in producing armored vehicles. Although tracked platforms have not been manufactured serially in recent years, the country maintains a robust base for repair and modernization, which could be adapted to support new production.
At the same time, this example shows that, while Ukraine’s tank and armored vehicle repair plants, along with their subcontractors, are capable of working with both Soviet and some Western systems, there will still be a need to upgrade existing infrastructure and potentially build new facilities to accommodate the production of next-generation equipment. Given the effects of decades-long deindustrialization, such efforts may prove difficult, particularly in light of persistent underfunding.
In the Czech Republic, CV90 localization involves not only VOP CZ but also companies such as Excalibur Army, Meopta, Ray Service, and VR Group (a part of LOM Prague), along with approximately 30 additional suppliers. Local production will include turrets, hulls with chassis, and maintenance services.
Of the 246 CV90s ordered, more than 200 units are expected to be produced in the Czech Republic. The first locally assembled vehicle is scheduled to roll out from VOP CZ’s production line in September 2026.
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