Czech VOP CZ Showcases New CAP SHADOW Tanker at Future Forces 2026
Czech defense manufacturer VOP CZ is presenting its new CAP SHADOW Tanker in Prague, with the Czech Army contracted to receive at least 13 vehicles and options for up to 47.
Prague, October 21, 2026. Czech state-owned defense manufacturer VOP CZ is presenting its new CAP SHADOW Tanker at Future Forces Exhibition & Forum 2026 in Prague, introducing a military fuel vehicle designed to support both ground and air operations across NATO forces.
The vehicle's first public presentation was scheduled for October 21 at 11:30 a.m. in the Czech Armed Forces' outdoor exhibition area, with representatives of the Ministry of Defense, military leadership and defense industry in attendance.
The CAP SHADOW Tanker is built on a TATRA FORCE truck chassis and fitted with a specialized superstructure manufactured by Czech engineering company KOBIT, based in Jičín. Unlike previous Czech military tankers, the new platform is designed to refuel ground vehicles as well as NATO aircraft and helicopters.
Czech Army Agreement Covers Up to 47 Vehicles
VOP CZ signed a framework agreement with the Czech Ministry of Defense in January 2025 covering at least 13 CAP SHADOW Tankers, with options to increase the total to 47 vehicles by 2031.
The initial 13-vehicle order is valued at CZK 536 million excluding VAT, while the full framework agreement could reach CZK 1.943 billion excluding VAT if all available vehicles are ordered.
According to VOP CZ, the first prototype is undergoing inspection testing. The tankers are intended to replace aging equipment and expand the Czech Armed Forces' ability to deliver filtered and measured fuel to ground and aviation units.
VOP CZ Expands Industrial Cooperation
Alongside the new tanker, VOP CZ is exhibiting the Bushmaster armored vehicle, with the company identifying its Šenov u Nového Jičína facilities as a potential production location for future European orders.
The manufacturer has also scheduled the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with Australian defense technology company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) during the exhibition.
The planned agreement would establish a framework for cooperation on the manufacturing, integration and servicing of remotely operated weapon systems for the European market.
VOP CZ is a strategic state-owned enterprise under the Czech Ministry of Defense, specializing in the development, production, modernization and maintenance of military ground equipment.
