Czech-Israeli Tech Alliance Set to Revolutionize Armoured Vehicle Systems with AI-Powered Upgrades

In a move that underscores growing European interest in AI-driven defence technologies, Czech technology firm Retia has entered into a strategic partnership with Israeli defence tech company Axon Vision. This collaboration is focused on advancing the electronic systems inside military armoured vehicles, aiming to deliver next-generation situational awareness and threat response capabilities.

The heart of this partnership lies in the integration of Axon Vision’s EdgeSA system—an advanced artificial intelligence-based situational awareness platform—into the latest variant of the PANDUR 8×8 EVO armoured vehicle, developed by Tatra Defence Vehicle (TDV). The system will be marketed not only to the Czech Armed Forces but also to a wider international clientele, especially across Europe.

EdgeSA isn’t just another sensor or camera—it’s an intelligent, real-time fusion engine that gathers data from various onboard sensors to create a comprehensive, 360-degree battlefield view. This capability allows vehicle crews to identify and assess threats even with closed hatches, making operations safer and more efficient under combat conditions. By reducing the workload on the crew and aiding quick decision-making, the system significantly boosts both survivability and mission effectiveness.

To package and promote the new capabilities, Retia has launched SAAV (Situational Awareness for Armored Vehicles)—a complete offering that includes both the EdgeSA system and Retia’s integration expertise for different vehicle types. The decision to adopt Axon Vision’s system followed a rigorous competitive evaluation, where the AI-powered solution reportedly outperformed all other contenders.

Jan Mikulecký, CEO of Retia, emphasized the importance of working with reliable and cutting-edge partners to meet the high standards of modern defence needs. “We create products that meet the highest standards, and for that, we need partners with advanced technology. Axon Vision fits that role perfectly,” he noted, referring to the joint efforts on the PANDUR 8×8 EVO platform.

Tatra Defence Vehicle, which is playing a key role in this collaboration, also sees this partnership as a continuation of long-standing Czech-Israeli defence ties. TDV’s CEO, Tomáš Mohapl, highlighted that Israeli partnerships have consistently strengthened the capabilities of their armoured vehicles. He also hinted at broader ambitions, saying that the same technology would enhance TDV’s other platforms like the TADEAS 6×6, improving their competitiveness in global markets.

From the Israeli side, Axon Vision is equally optimistic. CEO BG. (Ret.) Roy Riftin described their system as a game-changer in armoured warfare. “Our AI-powered situational awareness technology is redefining how armoured vehicles operate. This partnership shows our expanding footprint in Europe and our commitment to bringing cutting-edge solutions to modern battlefields,” he said.

Axon Vision’s technology is designed to be modular and platform-agnostic, meaning it can be adapted to a wide range of vehicle types and operational environments. The company’s systems are already deployed across several military domains globally, demonstrating their versatility on land, at sea, and in the air.

The strategic cooperation between Retia and Axon Vision signals a significant step forward in the digital transformation of armoured vehicles. With battlefields becoming increasingly data-driven, the integration of artificial intelligence into core defence systems may soon become the standard—rather than the exception—in modern military operations.