In the Czech firefighting sector, the renewal of vehicles has marked the continuous improvement of emergency response capabilities. Once, the Tatra 815 had a glorious history during its 42 years of series production. Today, its successor—the new 3rd-generation Tatra Force—is gradually emerging as a powerful asset to the Czech Fire Rescue Service.
The 3rd-generation Tatra Force was introduced at the turn of 2023 and 2024. It features a newly designed professional cabin, built as low as possible, combined with the classic drive solution. Since it mainly serves the military and emergency services, this wildland fire engine has begun appearing frequently in Czech fire stations and other institutions.
For example, one Tatra Force transferred from Bernartice in southern Czechia to another unit, replacing an older vehicle based on the historic Škoda Liaz 706 RT chassis.
From the outside, the Tatra Force fire truck is painted in striking red with white stripes, clearly marked with the word “HASIČI” (“firefighters”), making its role instantly recognizable. Inside, the new cabin is delivered in a manned 4-door variant to suit firefighting operations. The front accommodates 2 seats, while the rear has 4 seats equipped with breathing apparatus mounts. In the middle is a large engine tunnel.
The reason the tunnel is so large is that the new Tatra Force places the engine directly above the front axle while retaining the tubular frame, preventing the drive unit from passing between the longitudinal beams. This unique design, combined with independent suspension for each wheel based on swinging half-axles, gives this Czech off-road truck exceptional all-terrain performance, ensuring immense traction across difficult terrain.
One of the major highlights of the Tatra Force is its powertrain. Inside the tunnel sits the classic V8 engine with air cooling—a structure perfected by Tatra over decades of development.
It has a displacement of 12.7 liters, producing up to 460 horsepower, and transmits power to all four wheels via an Allison fully automatic hydraulic transmission. Although the system does not meet Euro 6 standards, the Czech Republic allows exemptions when ordering new fire trucks. This makes for a simpler design and reduces potential operational issues.
Despite its classic driving concept, the driver’s workplace has a modern touch. The steering wheel comes from DAF, the instrument cluster includes a display replacing traditional indicators, and there is a large touchscreen.
The touchscreen not only controls air conditioning and heating but also manages specialized firefighting equipment. However, the most critical components—such as differential locks—are still operated by large physical switches mounted on the engine tunnel, allowing quick access in emergencies.
This Tatra Force fire truck was built in cooperation with the Czech company THT Polička and can carry 4,000 liters of water and 240 liters of foam concentrate. Such powerful capabilities come at a high cost: the finished vehicle costs 10.35 million Czech crowns. Although it looks like a 2-axle truck, due to its special structure, Tatra is currently one of the most expensive truck brands in Europe.
The 3rd-generation Tatra Force, now in service with the Czech Fire Rescue Service, brings advanced technology and dependable performance, injecting new vitality into the nation’s emergency response and safeguarding the lives and property of the Czech people.
