OMNIPOL and Roshel form strategic joint venture to produce Senator vehicles in Czech Republic

The signing ceremony took place on 28th May 2025 in the presence of the President of the Czech Republic, members of the government, and other distinguished guests. This partnership represented a significant milestone for OMNIPOL and the broader Czech defence sector.

“Our goal is not just production. It’s a new direction – strengthening the domestic defense industry, boosting employment, and making full use of Czech manufacturing expertise,” said Jiří Podpěra, President of the OMNIPOL Group. He emphasised, “We see this cooperation not merely as a technical partnership but as a key step in our long-term strategic development.”

Roshel, based in Brampton, Canada, is a globally recognised manufacturer of armoured vehicles for both government and commercial use. Its Senator MRAP has been deployed extensively in Ukraine, with over 1,800 units currently in operation.

The decision to partner with OMNIPOL was rooted in shared values and a commitment to innovation, reliability, and advanced technologies. Roshel CZ was established to handle production with extensive involvement from Czech industry, particularly the automotive sector and OMNIPOL’s existing capabilities.

“We see our partnership with the OMNIPOL Group as a key milestone in our global growth strategy,” said Roman Shimonov, CEO of Roshel. “The Czech Republic has a well-established tradition in both the defense and automotive sectors, making it a natural choice for expanding the production of the Senator vehicle line.”

Shimonov added, “Our aim is to build a lasting presence that contributes to the local economy, enhances the regional defense industry, and strengthens supply capabilities across the European market.”

The Senator MRAP is widely respected for its durability, mobility, and modularity. Featuring a V-hull design, it provides high protection against mines and explosions and is certified under STANAG 4569 – Level 2 (ballistic) and Levels 3a/2b/2c (blast protection).

The vehicle is suited for various missions, including military operations, border patrol, and humanitarian aid. Czech-based production will be adapted to meet the specific needs of NATO and other international customers, focusing primarily on export markets.

“It’s a so-called ‘soldier-proven solution’ – technology tested directly in combat, with an emphasis on crew safety, adaptability, and ease of maintenance,” added Jiří Podpěra.

A significant Czech production partner will be MESIT, part of the OMNIPOL Group, which will supply tactical communication systems to enhance vehicle performance and operational safety. The initiative is expected to create jobs and generate new opportunities for the Czech industrial base.