STV Group has forged a partnership with Quantum Dynamic to market and produce the Mbombe 4 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle domestically. This collaboration, announced in September 2025, centers on the M4 GOLEM, the Czech-adapted variant of the South African-designed platform. The agreement opens the door for full licensed assembly in the Czech Republic, aligning with growing demands for self-reliant military capabilities amid global supply chain vulnerabilities. As European nations reassess their procurement strategies in light of ongoing conflicts, such deals emphasize the value of in-country production to secure equipment availability and foster industrial growth.
The Mbombe 4 stands out in the crowded field of 4×4 armoured vehicles, thanks to its blend of robust protection and agile performance. Developed by Paramount Group, the South African aerospace and defence firm that licenses its designs through entities like Quantum Dynamic, the vehicle weighs in at around 13,000 kilograms empty, with a payload capacity of up to 2.3 tons. It accommodates a crew of two plus eight personnel, making it suitable for infantry transport, reconnaissance, or command roles. Power comes from a diesel engine that propels it to speeds of 140 kilometres per hour on roads, with an operational range exceeding 700 kilometres. Its independent suspension system ensures strong off-road handling, while a ground clearance of over 450 millimetres aids in navigating rough terrain. Protection levels meet NATO’s STANAG 4569 standard, offering Level 3 ballistic resistance against small arms fire and artillery fragments, alongside Level 4a and 4b mine blast safeguards. This means it can withstand detonations from large explosives under the hull or wheels, a critical feature drawn from lessons in asymmetric warfare where improvised explosive devices pose constant threats.
What sets the Mbombe 4 apart is its flat-floor architecture, which distributes blast energy more evenly than traditional V-shaped hulls, reducing injury risks to occupants. The modular interior allows quick reconfiguration for various missions, from troop carrying to mounting weapon systems like remote turrets or anti-tank launchers. Since its debut in 2019, the platform has earned a reputation for reliability in diverse environments, from arid deserts to urban battlegrounds. Armies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Arab Emirates, and Togo have integrated it into their fleets, appreciating its cost-effectiveness compared to heavier Western alternatives. In India, Bharat Forge produces a localised version called the Kalyani M4 for the Indian Army, while Thailand has explored assembly as the D-Lion. With production lines now active in Africa, Asia, and Europe, the Mbombe 4 exemplifies how innovative designs can achieve widespread adoption through adaptable licensing models.
For the Czech Republic, the M4 GOLEM represents a tailored evolution of this proven system. STV Group unveiled the vehicle at the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair, or IDET, held in Brno from May 28 to 30, 2025. The event, a major showcase for Central European defence innovations, drew attention to the M4 GOLEM’s potential fit for the Czech Army’s needs. Visitors and military evaluators noted its compatibility with NATO interoperability standards, and the vehicle has since completed rigorous trials focused on mobility, protection, and integration with existing Czech systems. These tests included assessments in simulated combat scenarios, where the M4 GOLEM demonstrated its ability to traverse Czech landscapes while maintaining high situational awareness through advanced sensors and communication suites. Interest from potential users spiked, reflecting broader regional concerns over armoured mobility in hybrid threats.
Under the new pact, STV Group and Quantum Dynamic will collaborate on promoting the M4 GOLEM within the Czech market, targeting the armed forces and possibly export opportunities. More importantly, the deal establishes a framework for complete local manufacturing, starting with assembly and progressing to full production under license. This setup leverages Quantum Dynamic’s expertise in transferring technology, drawn from its parent company’s global portfolio. Paramount Group, through Quantum Dynamic, holds intellectual property across land systems, naval platforms, and cybersecurity, enabling seamless adaptation of designs like the Mbombe 4 to local specifications. The approach minimises import dependencies, allowing the Czech Republic to customise variants with domestic electronics or armaments if needed.
This partnership embodies Quantum Dynamic’s portable production strategy, a method that relocates advanced manufacturing know-how to host nations. Unlike traditional exports, where buyers rely on overseas suppliers for parts and upgrades, this model involves sharing blueprints, training personnel, and setting up facilities on-site. In practice, it generates jobs in engineering, assembly, and maintenance, while building skills in areas like welding, electronics integration, and quality control. For the Czech economy, this could mean expanded roles for local suppliers in the defence sector, contributing to broader industrial resilience. Quantum Dynamics’ track record includes similar arrangements in Asia and Africa, where licensed production has led to self-sustaining operations. The strategy also addresses socio-economic angles, such as workforce development programs that train young technicians, potentially reducing unemployment in manufacturing hubs.
A core advantage lies in securing supply chains during crises. With full in-country capabilities, the Czech Republic gains assurance of equipment availability, even if international trade is disrupted. Spare parts can be produced locally, and vehicles maintained or upgraded without shipping them abroad, cutting downtime and costs. This autonomy proves vital in prolonged conflicts, where reliance on foreign vendors can expose vulnerabilities; recent events in Eastern Europe have shown how sanctions or logistics breakdowns can halt resupplies. By controlling the entire lifecycle—from production to overhaul—the partnership enhances national security, allowing rapid responses to evolving threats like drone swarms or cyber intrusions on armoured systems.
Pavel Beran, STV Group’s Director of Special Projects, captured the essence of the deal: “The M4 GOLEM has demonstrated its prowess worldwide as a top-tier armoured platform. Through this alliance, we introduce this field-tested asset to our homeland, while cultivating independent manufacturing that ensures steady access, servicing, and enhancements domestically.” Echoing this, a Quantum Dynamic representative added: “Partnering with STV via our transferable production framework means providing not just a superior vehicle to Czech troops, but also empowering lasting independence. It’s fundamentally about equipping countries to shape their own defence paths.”
STV Group brings substantial credentials to the table as a pillar of Czech defence. Headquartered in Prague, the company excels in producing a wide array of military gear, from large-calibre ammunition like 155mm shells to personal protective equipment such as helmets and vests. It also handles repairs and modernisations for vehicles and aircraft, supplying critical components to the Czech Army and police forces. Recent expansions include ramping up artillery ammo output to meet NATO demands, with plans for 300,000 shells annually by 2026. Facilities in Polička focus on overhauls, positioning STV as a versatile player in modernisation efforts. This expertise complements the Mbombe 4 project, where STV can integrate local innovations, such as enhanced cold-weather adaptations for Central European operations.
Quantum Dynamic, operating as a specialised arm with access to Paramount’s extensive intellectual property, focuses on holistic solutions beyond hardware. The company offers project management, financing, infrastructure builds, and maintenance services across domains like border security and counter-poaching. Its emphasis on large-scale national programs makes it an ideal collaborator for nations seeking comprehensive upgrades. By facilitating technology flows, Quantum Dynamic helps partners like the Czech Republic avoid the pitfalls of over-dependence, instead nurturing ecosystems that support ongoing R&D.
Looking ahead, this venture could influence broader trends in European defence procurement. As alliances like NATO push for increased spending and interoperability, localised production of platforms like the M4 GOLEM offers a blueprint for balancing imported tech with homegrown strength. For the Czech armed forces, it means access to a vehicle that enhances troop safety in peacekeeping or territorial defence missions. Globally, the Mbombe 4’s expansion underscores the rise of non-traditional suppliers in filling capability gaps, especially in cost-sensitive markets.
