The Future Forces 2026 International Trade Fair was not only a showcase of state-of-the-art military technology, but also a venue for important industry meetings, technological innovations, and international cooperation. In addition to world premieres, manufacturers presented new configurations of existing systems, promising projects, and technologies developed in response to lessons learned from current armed conflicts. During the exhibition, the CZ DEFENCE editorial team focused on selected combat and logistics vehicles, small arms, ammunition, aviation technologies, and projects from the Czech defense industry. We also paid attention to significant agreements that could strengthen domestic industrial capabilities and international cooperation. The result is a series of interviews with representatives of Czech and foreign companies, which we present to you in the following video report.

Video: Future Forces 2026 – Armored vehicles, new weapons, modern technology, and strategic partnerships | CZ DEFENCE

Armored Vehicles and Modern Logistics

Among the interesting exhibits was the Alakran mobile mortar system mounted on a Patriot 4x4 armored vehicle chassis from Excalibur Army’s portfolio. The solution, developed in collaboration with a Spanish partner, emphasizes high mobility and rapid execution of fire missions. The automated system allows the mortar to be deployed in approximately 30 seconds and then quickly withdrawn from the firing position.

Variants with 81- and 120-mm calibers and water-cooled barrels are available; according to the manufacturer, a trained crew can achieve a rate of fire of up to 37 rounds per minute and 25 to 26 rounds per minute, respectively. The four-member crew is protected by armor during transit, but must exit the vehicle to fire the mortar. According to the manufacturer, the integration of the mortar does not significantly impair the Patriot platform’s original handling characteristics.

The Boxer 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle also attracted attention; its design is based on a separate chassis and an interchangeable mission module. At the trade show, the manufacturer presented a configuration designed for the Czech environment, featuring a remotely controlled Turra 30 V10 30-mm weapon station from EVPÚ. A significant advantage of the system is the ability to customize the superstructure to meet the requirements of individual armies and to share experiences among current users. Depending on the configuration, the Boxer can weigh up to 40 metric tons, and its modular design also facilitates maintenance and repairs. For example, according to the manufacturer, the entire powertrain can be replaced in approximately 20 minutes.

In the field of heavy-duty logistics, Tatra Export unveiled the third-generation Tatra Force truck in an 8×8 configuration. The flatbed truck on display – featuring a 12-cylinder air-cooled Tatra engine, an Allison automatic transmission, and a payload exceeding 25 metric tons – demonstrated the potential of the new generation of Tatra vehicles. In addition to logistics bodies, the platform can be used for tankers, cranes, or various weapon systems. The manufacturer also offers alternative engine options, axle steering configurations, and armored cabs in collaboration with other companies within the group.

The Military Technical Institute (VTÚ) followed up on the topic of logistical support by presenting a workshop vehicle designed to support CAESAR self-propelled howitzers. The modular superstructure mounted on a Tatra chassis integrates workshop equipment, communication devices, and – depending on customer requirements – a power generator or a hydraulic boom. In addition to design and integration, VTÚ is also involved in testing and certifying the equipment. Its activities also include the integration and modification of software for artillery fire control systems.

New Weapons, Ammunition, and Soldier Protection

Česká zbrojovka unveiled several significant new products. In addition to the P13 pistol designed for the German Bundeswehr – which, according to a company representative, has successfully completed testing – the company also presented the new CZ DUTY pistol, featuring a modular system that allows for a customizable grip.

In the long-barreled firearms category, the CZ BREN 3 assault rifle drew attention; it builds on the success of the previous generation and expands the lineup to include, among other things, the .300 Blackout caliber. The manufacturer confirmed the new rifle’s first commercial success in Montenegro and hinted at additional new products in the works for 2027.

STV GROUP emphasized self-sufficiency in domestic production as it unveiled its newly manufactured large-caliber artillery shell casings. This marks the restoration of a manufacturing capability that, according to the company, had been absent in the Czech Republic for decades. STV GROUP is also expanding its production of ammunition and plastic explosives and presented its own 81-mm mortar rounds, which are currently undergoing testing.

In collaboration with the Finnish company Patria, it also offered visitors the opportunity to try out a driving simulator for the Patria AMV XP armored vehicle. The booth also featured the Flyer 72 light tactical vehicle from the American manufacturer Flyer Defense.

TENEO, a company that develops composite ammunition components as an alternative to existing aluminum parts, presented an interesting technological innovation. According to the manufacturer, a special arrangement of carbon fibers has made it possible to achieve the required mechanical properties while significantly shortening the production cycle. While machining an aluminum part can take approximately ten minutes, the company says that producing the composite version takes about half a minute. The technology has the potential to reduce both production costs and the weight of components, which is important, for example, for ammunition used in unmanned aerial vehicles. Development is also proceeding in consultation with Ukrainian partners.

Fenix Protector, a company that has long been developing and supplying tactical gear to the Czech Army and law enforcement agencies, focused on protecting the soldiers themselves. At the trade show, the company presented, among other things, a modular ballistic vest with a declared Level IV protection rating, designed to adapt to various types of missions. The manufacturer also collaborates with members of special operations and airborne units during the development process.

Skyfox as a Drone Hunter and New Capabilities for the Czech Air Force

One of the major aviation topics was the new “Drone Hunter” configuration of AERO Vodochody’s L-39 Skyfox jet. The concept is based on the training aircraft’s modular design, which can also be adapted for other operational missions, including countering unmanned aerial vehicles. A key advantage is the ability to adapt the existing platform to a new purpose and subsequently return it to its training configuration. A representative from AERO Vodochody also highlighted the growing interest in the Skyfox’s multipurpose capabilities and the expert discussion regarding its potential role within NATO air forces.

The state-owned enterprise LOM PRAHA also marked a significant milestone. During the trade show, its director, Jiří Protiva, announced the signing of an agreement with Bell Textron that will enable the company to take over all service and maintenance of the AH-1Z Viper helicopter flight simulator in Náměšť nad Oslavou. The agreement represents another step in building domestic capabilities to support the H-1 helicopter platform. On the same day, the company also signed a collective bargaining agreement through 2027, thereby emphasizing the importance of its employees and their professional skills for the development of the aviation industry.

International Cooperation as a Path to Greater Resilience

The Future Forces Forum was not only a venue for showcasing technology but also a space for strengthening international industrial ties. During the trade fair, the Czech Defense and Security Industry Association (AOBP) signed a memorandum of understanding with Danish industrial partners. The goal is to deepen cooperation between Czech and Danish companies, support joint projects, and facilitate their integration into European supply chains. Representatives from both sides emphasized, in particular, the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises, the expansion of production capacities, and the search for joint opportunities within the European defense industry.

This year’s trade fair thus reaffirmed that the modernization of the armed forces is not merely a matter of acquiring new combat equipment. Equally important is the ability to ensure logistical support, maintenance, sufficient ammunition, personnel training, and long-term industrial self-sufficiency. It was precisely the interconnection of these areas that served as the common thread among a number of systems and projects that caught the attention of the CZ DEFENCE editorial team in Prague’s Letňany.

In our video report, we provide details on individual technologies, their capabilities, and manufacturers’ plans, featuring direct interviews with representatives of the various companies and institutions.