In 1995, development of the Aligator (4x4) light armoured reconnaissance vehicle commenced, with the first of three prototypes being completed in November 1996.

The Aligator has been developed as a private venture to meet the possible future requirements of the Slovak Army.

Funding for the development and construction of the prototype vehicles has been provided by Kerametal Company Limited, with the Transmisie Company building the prototype vehicles.

It is envisaged that production of the Aligator vehicle will be undertaken by ZTS Tees of Slovakia which already has considerable experience in the design, development and production of armoured vehicles.

The Aligator has been designed to undertake a wide range of roles on the battlefield including reconnaissance, command and control.

To reduce development and procurement costs, wherever possible the Aligator uses proven commercial components such as engine, transmission and suspension.

The first prototype of the Aligator light armoured reconnaissance vehicle made its first public appearance early in 1997.

In early 1999, volume production of the Aligator had yet to commence.

The hull of the Aligator is of all-welded steel armour, which provides the occupants with protection from 7.62 mm armour-piercing small arms fire and shell splinters. The floor of the crew compartment is double thickness to provide increased protection against mines.

The engine compartment is at the front with the crew compartment at the rear. The standard commercial Deutz water-cooled diesel is coupled to a Renk automatic transmission with manual override.

The commander is seated on the right with the driver on the left. The driver has a single-piece hatch cover above his position with a roof-mounted periscope for forward observation.

Vehicle commander has a circular low-profile cupola with a circular hatch cover that opens towards the rear and on the forward part of this can be mounted a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun.

The commander and driver are each provided with a large bulletproof window to their front and a door in the side that opens forwards. In the upper part of this is a large bulletproof window. AN the bulletproof windows provide the same level of protection as the all-welded steel hull.

The troop compartment is at the rear and normal means of entry and exit is via a larger door that opens to the left and is provided with a firing port and vision device.

In either side of the troop compartment is a firing port and vision device, and in the rear part of the roof is a single-piece hatch cover that opens towards the rear. If required, a bank of three electrically operated smoke dischargers can be mounted either side of the hull towards the rear.

Standard equipment includes a fire detection and suppression system, tyres with run-flat cores, and power steering.

Optional equipment includes an amphibious kit which allows the vehicle to propel itself in the water using a propeller mounted at the rear of the hull; air conditioning system; NBC system; central tyre-pressure regulation system which will allow the driver to adjust the tyre pressure to suit the terrain being crossed; recovery winch; various communications equipment; various types of day and night observation equipment for the commander and driver; and different weapon installations.

A wide range of variants of the Aligator is being proposed using the basic 4x4 model including: command post; missile launcher; police and internal security vehicle; and reconnaissance vehicle.

Studies are already being made of a stretched 6x6 version with increased load-carrying capability.

Prototypes. Not yet in production or service.