CHRUDIM, CZECH REPUBLIC (July 1, 2026) — Flyer Defense, together with Czech defense partner STV Group, has marked the first delivery of Flyer 72-HD light tactical vehicles to the Czech Republic at a ceremony held at the home of the Czech Army’s 43rd Airborne Regiment in Chrudim, an event that drew senior U.S. and Czech military leadership, including U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Nicholas Merrick.
Acquired through the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program and funded by U.S. Foreign Military Financing, the vehicles form part of a 46-vehicle program that marks the first time the Flyer 72-HD will be fielded in the Czech Republic and represents a milestone in the modernization of one of the Czech Army’s premier rapid-reaction formations.
As a NATO rapid-reaction force, the 43rd Airborne Regiment will rely on the Flyer 72-HD to give its paratroopers a fast, highly mobile, and air-transportable platform suited to the speed and reach its mission demands.
“What you see before you, the Flyer 72-HD light tactical vehicle, is more than just a piece of equipment. It is a symbol of what our alliance produces when we work together,” said Nicholas Merrick, U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, during the ceremony. “STV Group’s partnership with Flyer Defense here in the Czech Republic is exactly that kind of transatlantic defense-industrial cooperation that makes our alliance stronger, more resilient, and more capable.”
“We are proud and excited to deliver the Flyer 72-HD to the Czech airborne forces alongside our partner STV Group,” said Robert C. Rice, Director of Business Development, Flyer Defense, LLC. “The Flyer is a platform built for exactly this kind of force, with the speed, modularity, proven safety record, and battle-tested reliability that make it the right vehicle for the mission.”
Purpose-built for airborne and rapid-deployment forces, the Flyer 72-HD is a modular light tactical platform that can be configured to each customer’s mission requirements, combining high payload, off-road mobility, and air transportability – including transport aboard rotary and fixed wing aircraft – in a single vehicle configurable across command, combat, and specialized mission roles.
With the first vehicles now in Chrudim, the 43rd Airborne Regiment will begin integration and training ahead of full operational fielding.
Flyer Defense looks forward to continuing its partnership with STV Group and to supporting the Czech armed forces.
About Flyer Defense
Flyer Defense, LLC was formed to provide mission-specialized, lightweight, high mobility, all-terrain tactical wheeled vehicles capable of internal transport in rotary and tilt wing aircraft. Flyer provides purpose-built vehicles and logistics support for U.S. Army, special operations forces and global allies. Always prioritizing the users and their missions, Flyer vehicles increase ground mobility, allow rapid deployment into contested areas, and enable military ground forces to move quickly for extended distances and over difficult terrain. The Flyer® family of successfully tested and certified vehicles are modular platforms, allowing rapid vehicle customization for immediate operation-relevant configuration.
To learn more about Flyer Defense, please visit www.flyerdefense.com.
