Lengthy acquisition processes, insufficient digitization, and the need to integrate artificial intelligence into decision-making processes are among the key challenges facing the Czech Armed Forces today. In an interview with CZ DEFENCE at the DEFENCEO 2026 conference in Brno, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Miroslav Hlaváč, made these remarks. He also emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between the military, the government, and domestic industry, as ensuring the country’s defense capability is not only the responsibility of the armed forces but of society as a whole.

Video: General Hlaváč: The Army Needs Faster Acquisitions, Digitalization of Command, and the Integration of Artificial Intelligence / CZ DEFENCE

One of the main topics of the interview was the need to streamline military procurement processes. According to General Hlaváč, the current system does not sufficiently distinguish between the procurement of strategic weapons systems and routine military equipment. As a result, the military must apply similar procedures when purchasing F-35 fighter jets, tanks, CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, or command and control systems to those it applies when procuring backpacks, helmets, or uniforms.

According to the Chief of the General Staff, the system as currently configured imposes a significant administrative burden. Although its complexity stems, among other things, from transparency requirements and anti-corruption measures, the result is a disproportionate delay in the entire process. In some cases, the military thus acquires equipment or technology that is already obsolete at the time of purchase or for which more modern alternatives exist.

Hlaváč therefore considers it essential to speed up and streamline the entire procurement system while maintaining its transparency. The digitization of administrative procedures should play a significant role in this regard. As an example of current inefficiency, he cited the repeated transfer of the same documents between different departments. According to him, the introduction of modern technologies into the military also creates natural pressure to transform existing processes. The general expressed his conviction that technological development will ultimately lead to greater efficiency in these processes as well.

He identified the digitization of the command and control system and the use of artificial intelligence in military decision-making as two of the Czech Army’s top priorities. When asked which capability the Czech Army currently lacks the most, he first acknowledged that shortcomings exist in virtually all areas. However, he then emphasized the need to modernize decision-making processes.

The modern battlefield generates a vast amount of information that commanders and their staff must be able to quickly process, evaluate, and use to make the right decisions. According to Hlaváč, artificial intelligence should primarily help with sorting and evaluating this data. The digitization of command and control, together with the implementation of AI, thus represents one of the most important areas for the further development of military capabilities.

Another topic of discussion was the military’s communication with domestic industry – not only with traditional defense technology suppliers but also with civilian companies that have the potential to become involved in the defense sector. Hlaváč acknowledged that there is room for improvement on the part of the military itself. He identified regular mutual contact, explaining the needs and positions of each party, and jointly seeking suitable solutions as key elements. He emphasized that both the military and industrial companies share a common goal: ensuring the Czech Republic’s defense capability. However, according to him, this is not the sole responsibility of the armed forces, but rather that of society as a whole.

In this context, the Chief of the General Staff gave a positive assessment of developments over the past four years. In his experience, interest in defense technologies and their application to national security has increased significantly among the government, the military, and industrial companies. He observes this shift not only among traditional manufacturers of military equipment but also among companies operating outside the defense sector. At the same time, he pointed out that the development of cooperation must be continuous, as the security environment and technological capabilities are constantly changing and presenting new challenges.

At the conclusion of the interview, General Hlaváč praised the DEFENCEO 2026 conference itself as an opportunity for direct contact between the military and industrial companies. He considers the opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, opinions, and expectations to be particularly important. According to him, it is precisely this kind of dialogue that can contribute to a better understanding between the armed forces and industrial partners.