Czechoslovak Group (CSG) secured more than one billion crowns in contracts over recent months to deliver AM-70 and AM-50 bridge-laying vehicles to five countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, according to corporate announcements. The heavy engineering and defense holding, led by entrepreneur Michal Strnad and headquartered in Prague, reported the export wins as part of its growing global footprint in specialized military support equipment.
Excalibur Army and Tatra 8×8 Vehicle Specifications
Deliveries of the bridge-laying systems will be handled by Excalibur Army, a key manufacturing subsidiary within the CSG portfolio specializing in ground military technology. According to company specifications, the vehicles utilize a robust Tatra 8×8 chassis, enabling a top road speed of 90 km/h and high tactical mobility across rough terrain. Customers can request an armored cab providing ballistic protection up to Level 2 under the STANAG 4569 standard.
Military Load Classifications and Bridge Modularity
The engineering systems are designed to rapidly span water gaps, ditches, and other physical barriers to maintain military unit mobility. According to CSG data, the AM-50 EX model meets the MLC 50 military load classification, while the heavier AM-70 EX achieves an MLC 70 rating under NATO standard STANAG 2021, supporting the transit of heavy vojenské techniky. A three-member crew operating the AM-70 EX can deploy a single 13.5-meter bridge span within minutes, according to manufacturer briefings. Connecting up to eight individual bridge segments creates a continuous crossing reaching lengths of up to 106 meters capable of clearing trenches six meters deep.
Pro tip: Military engineers leverage modular bridging systems to maintain logistical momentum across fragmented terrain without relying on fixed civil infrastructure.
Export Demand for Specialized Engineering Assets
The new export orders underscore an increasing international appetite for specialized combat support vehicles capable of operating in diverse climatic zones. Richard Kuběna, sales director for the CSG Defence Systems division, stated via corporate releases that the contracts validate strong foreign demand for tactical mobility solutions that adapt to specific operational environments. The parent group, which employs over 14,000 people and posted revenues of 6,7 billion eur (162 billion crowns) last year, expanded its capital markets presence by listing shares on the Amsterdam and Prague stock exchanges in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chassis do the CSG bridge-laying vehicles use?
The AM-70 EX and AM-50 EX systems are built on high-mobility Tatra 8×8 chassis.
What is the maximum length of the connected bridge system?
Deploying up to eight interconnected spans creates a continuous bridge stretching up to 106 meters, according to CSG data.
Which company within CSG manufactures the bridge layers?
Excalibur Army handles the development, production, and modernization of these engineering vehicles.
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