A record number of Czech companies in attendance, hundreds of business meetings, and technologies developed based on experience gained in real-world conflicts. This year’s Eurosatory trade show in Paris confirmed that the Czech defense industry has long since ceased to be merely a supplier of individual products. Alongside traditional manufacturers of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, companies specializing in electronic warfare, command and control systems, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and the digitization of the military environment are playing an increasingly prominent role.

Video: Eurosatory 2026: The Czech defense industry showcased its innovative strength and system integration capabilities to the world / CZ DEFENCE

While the CSG Group was among the most prominent participants at the entire trade show – thanks to the scope of its exhibition, the presentation of the Trident air defense system, and other new developments – the Czech presence in Paris was by no means limited to the traditional leaders of the domestic defense industry.

The record-high Czech participation showcased an exceptionally broad spectrum of capabilities among domestic companies – ranging from manufacturers of ammunition and armored vehicles to specialists in electronic warfare, as well as companies bringing artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and modern training technologies to the defense sector.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Jan Sechter also views this shift as the most significant change in recent years. “Eurosatory in France is probably the largest event of its kind in Europe and perhaps even in the world. It shows how the Czech defense industry and some dual-use companies have reached the European and global level. They have a lot to offer. You’ll also find our companies at the booths of major European manufacturers,” says Sechter. According to him, Czech companies are no longer just looking for opportunities in the domestic market; instead, they are increasingly becoming part of international supply chains and strategic projects.

“It is important to us that Czech industry have an open door to the world, regardless of whether or not specific military acquisitions take place. We want to help Czech companies establish themselves in foreign markets, because exports are one of the key prerequisites for their further development,” he explains. At the same time, he points out that today’s defense industry is changing faster than ever before. “Technological development is so rapid today that the civilian and defense sectors are able to work together in a way we haven’t seen in Europe for a long time. This applies to drones, air defense, artificial intelligence, and integration with space technologies. This is precisely where we see a huge opportunity for Czech companies,” concluded Jan Sechter.

Technologies That Are Changing the Face of the Modern Battlefield

One of the most striking examples of this trend was RETIA’s presentation. While visitors were drawn to missile systems, radars, and armored vehicles, hidden inside a containerized command post mounted on a Tatra chassis was technology that may be even more critical to the success of modern operations than the weapons themselves. The ReCUBE GBAD command and control system represents the digital nervous system of a modern army. “ReCUBE is a platform for command and control systems that can be scaled from the tactical level directly on the battlefield, through the operational level, all the way up to strategic command. This allows users to work with a single solution at various levels of command according to their specific needs,” explained Jan Mikulecký, CEO of RETIA.

It is precisely the ability to integrate individual sensors, command posts, and weapon systems into a single functional unit that is becoming one of the most important capabilities of NATO armies today. “When it comes to the modern battlefield, it’s not just a single weapon or sensor that matters. What’s crucial is the ability to integrate individual systems and get the right information at the right time to the decision-maker. That is precisely the role of command and control systems.” From the outset, RETIA designed its solution with a focus on interoperability. “The entire system architecture was designed to allow for the easy integration of additional capabilities. When it comes to national solutions, we work with proprietary protocols. In the case of NATO alliance systems, we use standards that the system fully supports. Thanks to this, we are able to respond to the very specific requirements of individual customers,” said Jan Mikulecký.

This is where one of the biggest shifts in the Czech defense industry is evident. Instead of individual components, the industry is now increasingly offering complete systems and comprehensive solutions.

EVPÚ Defence’s exhibit at Eurosatory clearly illustrated one of the main trends at this year’s Eurosatory. There is a growing emphasis on remotely operated weapon systems, crew protection, and the ability to respond to the ever-increasing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. According to company representatives, the Paris trade show represents one of the most important opportunities to showcase new technologies to militaries and industry partners from around the world. “We consider Eurosatory to be crucial because it gives us the opportunity to meet with key partners, showcase our products on real-world platforms, and present our solutions to a broad professional audience,” said Claudia Budayová, Director of the EVPÚ Defence Sales Division.

The highlight of the exhibition was the largest remote-controlled weapon station, the Gladius MAX, designed to integrate 30 × 113-millimeter caliber weapons. “The Gladius MAX station is equipped with its own fire control system and a gun sight. It is primarily designed to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles,” explained Budayová.

Alongside it, the company also unveiled the newest – and smallest – addition to the Gladius family. “This is our smallest remotely controlled weapon station, designed for integration with 7.62-millimeter caliber weapons. It provides a higher level of crew protection and is intended primarily for light armored vehicles, where low weight and compact dimensions play a crucial role,” added Claudia Budayová.

Training for a War That Changes Every Month

Unmanned systems were one of the main topics at this year’s Eurosatory. The focus was not only on the drones themselves, but also on training, coordination, and their integration into combat operations. The FARPOINT Academy exhibit, part of the Omnipol Group, addressed this need. “We’re able to connect multiple stations, so we can train communication within units and essentially define any mission scenario that armies will need for training,” explains Michaela Klazarová, program manager at FARPOINT Academy. The simulator allows operators to use the same controls, laptops, or FPV goggles that they use in real-world deployments. “Operators can use their own equipment, which they’re accustomed to. This makes the training as realistic as possible and prepares soldiers for situations they may encounter during actual deployments.”

URC Systems showcased technologies whose importance on the modern battlefield continues to grow. Its systems monitor the radio spectrum, detect unmanned aerial vehicles, and enable a response to ever-evolving threats. “Today, we’re focusing most on monitoring and protection against drones, but in reality, we’re monitoring the entire radio spectrum. New technologies are constantly emerging, and we have to respond to them,” said Filip Boleloucký, sales director at URC Systems. The evolution of electronic warfare doesn’t end with the development of a new product. “It’s a never-ending battle. We’re basically like an antivirus program that has to constantly respond to new threats,” the director explained. According to the company, the pace of development is one of the biggest challenges. “Today, we’re first and foremost a technology company. A significant part of the company is dedicated to research and development, which constantly works with information gathered from the real-world deployment of our systems,” concluded Filip Boleloucký.

Artificial Intelligence as a Military Technician

Among the interesting new features at the Czech exhibition was the Lumnio electronic platform from Pocket Virtuality. At first glance, the smart glasses looked like devices familiar from civilian use. Their use in the military, however, shows where the digitization of military technology is headed. “The main advantage is that the user has their hands free while working. It’s voice-controlled, and the AI assistant can guide the technician step by step through a specific task,” explained Ondřej Barva, business development manager at Pocket Virtuality. The system allows technical documentation, photos, videos, and service procedures to be displayed directly in the user’s field of view. “For example, a technician can request the procedure for replacing a specific part, and the system automatically guides them through the entire process. They don’t have to search for documentation or interrupt their work,” said Barva.

Ray Service: From Cable Assemblies to Electronics

Ray Service is also undergoing a similar technological shift. “Thirty years ago, we started out manufacturing cable harnesses. Today, the production of electronics and OEM products accounts for roughly half of our production volume, and we see this as our future for the next ten to twenty years,” says Jakub Gabriel, the company’s CEO. The company unveiled its new family of EGIS computing and display units in Paris. “The entire EGIS family was developed in response to customer demands. From the most powerful versions to the Light variant, we offer solutions for a very wide range of military applications,” Gabriel explained. According to him, electronics is one of the areas where the Czech defense industry will grow the fastest in the coming years.

A Tradition That Can Adapt to Today’s Electronics

However, Eurosatory wasn’t just about new technologies. Traditional manufacturers of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment also had a strong presence there. The Colt CZ Group’s exhibit was among the most visited parts of the Czech presentation. “We came to Eurosatory with several products. First and foremost, I’d like to highlight the Bren 3 rifle, which builds on the highly successful Bren 2 platform. That rifle is currently in service with numerous armed forces around the world,” Jan Zajíc, a member of the Colt CZ Group board of directors, told CZ DEFENCE. The P-10 series of pistols also attracted attention. “Another significant development for us is our recent victory in the Bundeswehr tender, under which we will supply P-10 pistols in the Optics Ready configuration,” added Zajíc.

STV GROUP, the only manufacturer of large-caliber ammunition in the Czech Republic, also presented its product line at the Paris trade show. “In addition to standard large-caliber ammunition in 120 mm, 122 mm, 152 mm, and 155 mm M107 calibers, we are offering a new product: 155 mm Extended Range ammunition with a range of approximately forty kilometers,” said Pavel Kudrhalt, Chairman of the Board of Directors of STV GROUP. Drones – including drone munitions, high-explosive and engineering explosives – as well as small-caliber ammunition are also generating significant interest among customers. However, the Eurosatory exhibition was not merely a promotional event for STV GROUP. “During the trade show, we signed a major contract worth several hundred million euros,” added Kudrhalt.

The DSS exhibit also drew visitors’ attention. “Our weapons are being deployed in Ukraine, and we’re able to gather very valuable feedback from actual combat operations. Thanks to this, we’ve been able to make a number of adjustments and further improvements to our systems,” explained Jan Vokoun, DSS’s business development manager. According to the company, it is precisely this battlefield experience that significantly influences the development of new weapons today. “After consulting with soldiers, we made several changes that significantly improved the performance of our machine guns. The feedback from users has been very positive,” said Vokoun.

Mobility, Protection, and Rapid Response

The MARS armored vehicle from SVOS also attracted the attention of visitors and industry professionals. “The Czech Army will be acquiring this specific configuration for its Strakonice anti-aircraft unit. Deliveries will take place between 2028 and 2030,” says Štěpán Černý, SVOS’s sales director. According to him, the system’s main advantage is its response speed. “The ability to detect, target, and open fire takes only a few minutes. Mobility and response speed are among the greatest strengths of this solution.”

Zeveta Ammunition has also demonstrated that even traditional products can undergo continuous development. “The RPG-75 has undergone a complete technological modernization of its production process. Today, all components are manufactured on new production equipment using new technologies,” explained Tomáš Hrádek, director of Zeveta Ammunition. At the same time, the options for integrating modern targeting devices have been expanded. “We’ve expanded the possibilities for using optical sights, rangefinders, and other components to make the weapon as comfortable as possible for the soldier,” added Hrádek.

The Omnipol Group also prepared a major presentation. “This year, we’re at Eurosatory for the first time with our own large booth, where we’re showcasing the entire group – from the L-410 to MESIT and ERA, all the way to the newly established company Omnipol Defence,” said Marek Somol, marketing director of the Omnipol Group, introducing the exhibit. The new company, Omnipol Defence, is intended to represent the next step in the group’s development. “Omnipol Defence’s mission is to integrate the group’s products into comprehensive solutions and combine them with our partners’ technologies,” Somol added. Here, too, a trend evident throughout this year’s trade show is apparent – the shift from individual products to comprehensive systems.

A Strong Industry Needs Strong Support

After several days spent among hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of visitors, and the world’s most advanced technologies, one question remains: How does the Czech Republic fare against this competition? Josef Flek, chairman of the Chamber of Deputies’ Defense Committee, has a clear answer following his visit to the trade fair. “When you walk through all the pavilions and see companies from different countries, you realize just how fierce the competition is. That’s all the more reason we should support cooperation with Czech industry.” In his view, however, Czech companies are doing very well. “When I spoke with foreign partners, it was clear that Czech industry is viewed very favorably – as professional. Czech companies are strong players on the global market, and we should help them open new doors.” Flek also points out that the ongoing modernization of the military represents an opportunity not only for the armed forces but also for domestic industry. “The modernization of the Czech Armed Forces has only just begun. We have many years of work ahead of us, and at the same time, an opportunity to further develop the capabilities of Czech companies.”

For the Czech defense industry, participating in this year’s Eurosatory was, above all, confirmation that, alongside traditional manufacturers of weapons and ammunition, it is now also capable of offering technologies that will shape the battlefield of the 21st century.