A new Czech amphibious vehicle could give military forces another way to move troops and equipment across waterways.
Called MEANDER, it can carry up to 13 tonnes (28,660 pounds) of cargo, including a medium-sized military vehicle, while traveling across land, rivers, swamps, and wetlands.
Developed jointly by Excalibur Army, part of Czechoslovak Group (CSG), and New Space Technologies, the vehicle was presented at the Future Forces Forum 2026 in Prague.
Its 22-square-meter (236-square-foot) cargo platform can accommodate up to 70 standing troops, 12 stretchers, or a standard 20-foot (6-meter) shipping container.
The vehicle is designed for areas where rivers and waterlogged terrain can complicate the movement of personnel and supplies.
A Heavy Hauler That Travels on Water
MEANDER combines a tracked undercarriage for land travel with a waterjet propulsion system featuring two propellers.
It can reach speeds of up to 48 kilometers (29.8 miles) per hour on roads and approximately 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) per hour on water.
Power comes from a 12-cylinder, air-cooled Tatra diesel engine rated at 440 kilowatts or 590 horsepower.
The cargo deck measures approximately 7.9 meters (25.9 feet) long and 2.8 meters (9.2 feet) wide, providing space for bulky loads that smaller amphibious vehicles may struggle to accommodate.
The vehicle also features a modern suspension system and rubber-padded tracks, which CSG said help reduce vibration and noise during movement.
Beyond Troop Transport
MEANDER was presented in a basic transport configuration, but CSG explained that the platform could be adapted for other military roles, including versions equipped with weapon systems.
The project combines Excalibur Army’s military vehicle expertise with New Space Technologies’ experience in amphibious platforms.
It builds on the earlier KALAN vehicle, originally designed for rescue services before the concept was adapted for military requirements.
