After a year of intensive preparation, the 7th Mechanized Brigade "Dukelská" reached one of the key milestones of its modern existence. From December 8 to 17, 2025, the Amber Lionheart 25 command and staff certification exercise took place, during which the headquarters of the 7th Brigade Task Force (7th BTF) was tested according to the Alliance's CREVAL (Combat Readiness Evaluation) methodology. The brigade thus confirmed its operational readiness to operate within the structure of the Multinational Division Northeast (MND-NE) and to participate in NATO's collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty in the event of an operation. The exercise was conducted in CPX (Command Post Exercise) format, i.e., as a command and staff exercise focused on command and control processes without the widespread deployment of all units in the field.

The exercise followed on from the national CZECH LION 25 exercise led by the Czech Army Land Forces Command, with which it forms a comprehensive training cycle from staff preparation to final certification. While Czech Lion verified command process functions within a national framework, Amber Lionheart simulated a real crisis situation with the dynamics of modern warfare, pressure to make decisions, and the need to coordinate alliance elements in real time and under the authority of MND-NE.

Scenario according to Article 5. Combat situation, decision-making under pressure, and command in the pace of modern conflict

The main part of the training took place in Hranice and Drahotuše, where the staff worked in a continuous simulated operation mode. At the same time, a group of brigade officers also operated at the MND-NE headquarters in Elbląg, Poland, from where the forces were coordinated within the joint operational area. The scenario was designed to gradually escalate from defensive operations to counterattacks under conditions of hybrid and kinetic threats. Emphasis was placed on coordination between subordinate elements, speed of decision-making, the ability to adapt to changing situations, and maintaining a high degree of interoperability with allies.

A specific feature of Amber Lionheart 25 was that the 7th BUU conducted the operation simultaneously from the main command post (HMV) and the combat support center (CPB). The HMV controlled the brigade's maneuvers and communication with the superior MND-NE and neighboring brigades in the operational formation. At the same time, the CPB ensured the management of support and sustainability of the entire operation – it monitored the course of the battle, the status of units, logistics, medical support, movements, and replenishment. This configuration corresponds to the way the group would be deployed in a real conflict and allowed evaluators to test not only the ability to plan the operation, but also to maintain the combat readiness of the assigned forces in the long term.

An important element of the exercise was also the internal interoperability of the entire 7th bÚU. The operation did not only involve the 7th All these components had to be integrated into a single plan, coordinated in time and space, and controlled through the HMV and CPB as a single functional unit. All these components had to be integrated into a unified plan, coordinated in time and space, and managed through HMV and CPB as a single functional unit.

Modern simulation technology made it possible to test command processes and established procedures, responses to crisis situations, and the continuity of the decision-making process. NATO evaluators observed how the staff works with data from the battlefield, how it communicates with Alliance partners, and how it conducts operations in a time frame typical of high-intensity conflict.

"In a modern conflict environment, it is not only technology and modern equipment that matter. What matters is a well-prepared staff, the ability to think, react, and make decisions. Our soldiers have proven this," said Colonel Radek Šoman, Chief of Staff of the 7th Mechanized Brigade.

Presence of representatives of the alliance and national command

The importance of the exercise was confirmed by the presence of representatives of the Alliance and national command. The exercise was personally supervised by Lieutenant General Václav Vlček, Commander of the Operations Command, Major General Jarosław Gorowski, Commander of the Multinational Division Northeast, Brigadier General Jan Štěpánek, Deputy Commander of the MND-NE, Deputy Chief of the General Staff – Chief of Staff of the Czech Armed Forces Major General Pavel Lipka, Commander of the Czech Armed Forces Land Forces Major General Josef Trojánek, and Deputy Commander of the Land Forces Brigadier General Róbert Dziak.

The entire certification process was supervised by two mentors from the Multinational Division Northeast, Colonel František Batko (SVK) and Lieutenant Colonel Zoltán Patkai (HUN).

On December 16, Major General Vlček and Colonel František Batko personally presented the brigade with a certificate of completion of the evaluation process, confirming the readiness of the 7th Combat Task Force to perform tasks within the Alliance structures.

"During the certification process, the brigade headquarters demonstrated its ability to plan and manage combat operations within the Multinational Division Northeast. The Czech Armed Forces have thus confirmed their ability to fulfill their NATO commitments and participate in collective defence," emphasized Lt. Gen. Václav Vlček.

Foreign representatives also gave a positive assessment of the performance. "Cooperation with the Czech 7th Mechanized Brigade is an example of excellent interoperability and professionalism for us. Their results meet NATO standards," said Maj. Gen. Jarosław Górowski, commander of MND-NE.

Validating capabilities and moving forward in alliance responsibility

The successful completion of Amber Lionheart 25 means one thing in practice: the 7th Mechanized Brigade has confirmed its readiness for operational deployment in the Alliance and its ability to conduct large-scale, high-intensity operations. The training provided valuable feedback not only in the area of command, but also in process development and doctrinal preparation for possible future scenarios, including the further development of the heavy brigade and assigned combat support elements.

"This training has not only advanced us professionally, but also brought us together as a team. We have confirmed our ability to plan and make decisions at the pace of the modern battlefield. This is valuable experience for us," added Brigadier General Zdeněk Mikula, commander of the 7th Mechanized Brigade.

Czech brigade confirms its role as a pillar of collective defence

Amber Lionheart 25 marked the end of a year-long preparation phase that combined process planning, operations management, international interoperability, and final certification. The 7th Mechanized Brigade confirmed its ability to perform collective defence tasks and joined the ranks of fully evaluated Alliance units ready for deployment within the MND-NE.

Today, the Dukla Brigade stands firmly as a modern maneuvering element of the Czech Army – with a coordinated 7th Brigade Task Force capable of combining mechanized units, fire support, engineering, CBRN, air defence, communications, logistics, and medical elements into a single functional unit ready to take responsibility, make decisions, and act.