Czech Republic Military Forces 🇨🇿

Strategic Position

The Czech Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe that anchors its national security on collective defense through membership in NATO and the European Union. Its primary security concern is the potential for large-scale conflict on the European continent, specifically identifying the Russian Federation as the most significant threat in its current defense strategy.

The country participates in the Visegrád Group (V4) with Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia to coordinate regional defense interests. It maintains a bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States, which facilitates joint training and potential deployments. Following its 2025 assessment of the security environment, the Czech Republic has prioritized its role as a transit and host nation for allied forces, focusing on the logistical infrastructure required to support the movement of NATO troops toward the Eastern Flank.

Military Forces

The Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) is an all-volunteer force consisting of the Land Forces, Air Force, Cyber and Information Warfare Forces, Special Forces, and Territorial Forces. As of 2025, active personnel levels are approximately 28,000, with a target to expand the force to 37,500 by 2030. The active reserve component maintains approximately 4,500 personnel.

The Land Forces are structured around two primary combat formations: the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade and the 7th Mechanized Brigade. The 7th Mechanized Brigade is currently transitioning into a heavy brigade capability, which is expected to reach operational milestones in 2026. Main battle tank capabilities are centered on the Leopard 2A4, with the Leopard 2A8 slated for future procurement to replace legacy T-72 platforms. The infantry operates CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles and Pandur II wheeled armored vehicles. Artillery units are transitioning from the 152mm DANA system to the 155mm CAESAR 8x8 self-propelled howitzer, with first deliveries arriving in 2026.

The Air Force operates a fleet of JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighters and L-159 ALCA light combat aircraft. The government has finalized the acquisition of 24 F-35 Lightning II fighters to replace the Gripen fleet later this decade. The helicopter fleet consists of the H-1 system, including AH-1Z Viper attack and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters, which have replaced Soviet-era Mi-24 and Mi-35 models. Transport capabilities are provided by C-295M aircraft, with the Embraer C-390 Millennium also under procurement.

Specialized capabilities include the 601st Special Forces Group and dedicated chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense units, which are frequently integrated into NATO rapid response structures.

Defense Industry

The Czech Republic maintains a significant domestic defense industry with high export capacity. Key manufacturers include the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which produces Tatra trucks, armored vehicles, and large-caliber ammunition. CSG's subsidiary, Excalibur Army, specializes in the modernization of land systems.

Colt CZ Group is a global provider of small arms, including the BREN 2 assault rifle and P-10 series pistols, which are standard issue for the ACR and exported to numerous international militaries. Aero Vodochody produces the L-39NG jet trainer, serving as the primary platform for training future fighter pilots. Passive surveillance technology is a niche capability led by ERA, which produces the VERA-NG passive sensor system for air and electronic intelligence.

Strategic Trends

The Czech Republic has legislated a minimum defense spending requirement of 2% of GDP, a target achieved in 2024 and maintained through 2025. Budgetary projections for 2026 indicate a rise to at least 2.2% of GDP as the government accelerates modernization programs.

Strategic priorities focus on the "Heavy Brigade 2026" commitment to NATO, necessitating the integration of new main battle tanks and tracked infantry fighting vehicles. The military is also expanding its Cyber and Information Warfare Forces to counter hybrid threats and disinformation. Constraints include a challenging recruitment environment as the ACR seeks to add over 2,000 new soldiers annually to meet its long-term personnel goals. Future force structure shifts involve moving away from legacy Soviet-standard calibers and platforms in favor of total NATO interoperability.