Future Forces Forum 2026 Unveils Czech TAROS V4 4x4 Drone Equipped with Australian EOS Slinger System

The TAROS V4 Unmanned Ground Vehicle

According to НВ — Техно: During the Future Forces Forum 2026 held in Prague, the Czech defense manufacturer VOP CZ introduced the advanced TAROS V4 4x4 unmanned ground vehicle. This latest model features an Australian-developed anti-drone system called EOS Slinger. With a payload capacity of 1000 kg, the TAROS V4 is designed to perform a variety of autonomous missions and is capable of amphibious operations.

Details on the EOS Slinger System

The EOS Slinger installed on the TAROS V4 is based on the Bushmaster M230LF 30×113 mm cannon, firing 30mm proximity-fuzed ammunition. It can engage hostile drones at distances exceeding 800 meters. Drone detection relies on advanced radar technology, including the 4D Echodyne targeting radar and the EchoGuard radar, which can identify Phantom-class drones beyond 1 km and Matrice 600-class drones at ranges over 1.4 km.

The entire EOS Slinger system weighs under 400 kg and carries a maximum ammunition load of 150 rounds. The control unit, mounted under a protective cover, weighs 21 kg. The ammunition uses radio-frequency proximity fuzes and delivers fragmentation high-explosive effects, enhancing its effectiveness against aerial threats.

As the fourth iteration in the TAROS unmanned ground vehicle series, developed by the Czech state-owned company VOP CZ, the V4 continues to build on a legacy of autonomous military platforms. Alongside TAROS V4, the forum also showcased the VARAN modular unmanned ground vehicle concept by Stratonex Defence Technologies. VARAN is intended to support military units in reconnaissance, logistics, and other tasks through interchangeable modules tailored to diverse operational needs.

The innovations displayed at Future Forces Forum 2026 highlight significant progress in unmanned systems technology and their growing role in modern warfare. Solutions like the TAROS V4 underscore the increasing emphasis on autonomous and modular platforms, enabling armed forces worldwide to enhance defense capabilities and adapt to emerging security challenges.

In addition to the TAROS V4, the Future Forces Forum 2026 also highlighted the innovative VARAN modular ground vehicle from Stratonex Defence Technologies, showcasing advancements tailored for modern military operations, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine.