SVOS MARS 4×4

History

The MARS 4×4 (Multi-role Armored System) is a modular 4×4 armored vehicle designed and manufactured by the Czech company SVOS in Přelouč. In 2019, SVOS began cooperation with Sweden’s Saab to integrate the RBS 70 NG air defense missile system and Giraffe 1X 3D surveillance radar onto the MARS 4×4 as a Mobile Short-Range Air Defense (MSHORAD) system. The first vehicle was transferred to Sweden for integration, live-fire, and field operational testing. The MSHORAD configuration made its global public debut at Eurosatory in June 2022 and received the Golden IDET award at IDET 2023.

In May 2025, SVOS unveiled the MSHORAD configuration at IDET 2025 in Brno. In July 2025, the Czech Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth approximately SEK 1.86 billion (about $195 million) with Saab for 24 MARS 4×4 vehicles equipped with RBS 70 NG launchers, with SVOS as a subcontractor, along with eight tripod-mounted launchers and 80 missiles. The vehicles are scheduled for delivery to three batteries of the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment in Strakonice between 2028 and 2030, replacing older dismounted RBS 70 and RBS 70 NG launchers currently operated by the unit.

Soldiers of the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment test-fired the Gladius Twin remotely operated weapon station, developed by EVPÚ Defence and mounted on the MARS 4×4 S-330 Hard Top, against small drones at the Boletice training area in southern Bohemia. The trials first checked the system’s ability to detect and track small unmanned aerial vehicles, then proceeded to live-fire engagement. The firing tests validated a Czech Ministry of Defence study on the configuration prepared by the state-owned Military Technical Institute. The participating companies did not disclose the date of the trials, the number of targets, engagement ranges, or hit counts. No order for the Gladius Twin configuration has been announced.

Design

The MARS 4×4 is an open-top modular platform designed to accommodate a wide range of weapons and special equipment. The vehicle features individually adjustable ground clearance for each wheel and an optional steerable rear axle providing a 6-metre turning radius, suitable for confined urban or mountainous terrain. The concept includes several patent-protected solutions and makes extensive use of components already in service with NATO member states. The vehicle is manufactured entirely in the Czech Republic.

Variants

• MARS 4×4 S-330 Hard Top with Gladius Twin — Equipped with the EVPÚ Defence Gladius Twin remotely operated combat module carrying two 7.62 mm machine guns, a radar, and an electro-optical system comprising a day camera, thermal imager, and laser rangefinder. After target acquisition the system can automatically track the target and feed guidance data to the machine guns. The configuration is intended for close-range counter-drone operations and force protection against reconnaissance and attack UAVs.


• MARS 4×4 MSHORAD — Integrated with Saab’s RBS 70 NG laser-guided air defense missile system and Giraffe 1X 3D surveillance radar. The configuration includes a Mobile Firing Unit and Mobile Radar Unit with a fully integrated command and control suite.


• MARS 6×6 — A 6×6 version weighing 20 tonnes is planned for future development.

Specifications (MARS 4×4 S-330)

• Engine: Mercedes-Benz OM 926 LA, inline-six turbo-diesel, 7.2 L, 326 hp, 1,300 N·m at 1,600 rpm


• Combat weight: 14 t (4×4 configuration)


• Ballistic protection: STANAG 4569 Level 2 (7.62×39 mm armor-piercing incendiary rounds under standard test conditions)


• Mine protection: STANAG 4569 Level 2a/2b (6 kg charge under wheel or hull respectively)


• Obstacle crossing: trench 0.85 m; vertical obstacle 0.5 m; ford 1.2 m (1.5 m with preparation)


• RBS 70 NG missile system (MSHORAD configuration): range 9 km, ceiling 5,000 m, target engagement at Mach 2


• Giraffe 1X radar (MSHORAD configuration): detection range 75 km