At yesterday's press conference, Defense Minister Jana Černochová presented the results of her four years at the helm of the ministry. She emphasized stable financing, major acquisition projects, support for the domestic defense industry, and successful recruitment of new soldiers.

"When I took office in December 2021, I announced that I would present my priorities immediately after the New Year. On January 10, I presented you with the Ten Priorities for Defense," said Černochová. "Without a budget, there is no army," emphasized the minister. She recalled that even before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the government approved a commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defense and subsequently pushed through a law on the financing of the Czech Republic's defense, which ensures the predictability and stability of funds for key projects. "Investment in defense is now more than six times higher than in 2015. Despite all this, we are doing the same amount of work with the same number of employees as ten years ago," she added.

According to the minister, over 46,000 contracts worth around CZK 510 billion were concluded in four years, 96% of which were with the Czech defense industry. The armament contracts alone represent almost CZK 450 billion. "We have launched the largest modernization of the army in its modern history," said Černochová. According to her, strategic projects include CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, Leopard 2A8 tanks (first phase – 44 units), fifth-generation F-35 aircraft, Embraer C-390 medium transport aircraft, radars, modernization of CASA aircraft, and service contracts for new and existing equipment.

According to the minister, Czech companies have been significantly involved: "Czech companies have concluded more than 20 subcontracts within the CV90 project. In the Leopard 2A8 project, industrial cooperation is already worth CZK 2 billion and is growing every day." The ministry also supported research and development. "This year alone, we are supporting 32 research and development projects and have provided institutional support to six departmental research organizations," she said.

In her speech, Černochová also rejected speculation that the army is having problems with recruitment: "The opposite is true. Recruitment has been more successful than ever before. Changes to health regulations, purchases of modern technology, and, of course, financial resources have all helped." She also mentioned the amendment to Act No. 221/1999 Coll. on professional soldiers, which introduced a new method of remuneration for soldiers: "It was a key motivating factor for people who were considering leaving. They didn't leave, they stayed, and new recruits are coming in." The ministry launched voluntary programs for high school students. "Last year was the pilot year for DVC, and this year is the regular one. We had 800 students sign up. They showed that the younger generation is not lost," said Černochová. At the same time, over 800 project days were held at schools for more than 100,000 students as part of the program to prepare citizens for national defense.

Černochová also mentioned the strengthening of care for war veterans, of whom there are currently around 16,000 in the Czech Republic. Three new contact centers have been opened, and a community center is being planned in Tábor. "From 2022 to mid-2025, the Military Solidarity Fund has helped nearly a hundred applicants with over CZK 14 million. In the last year alone, it has supported 76 families," she added. Among the symbolic acts, she included the return of the remains of General František Moravec to Čáslav and the release of the remains of nine Czechoslovak heroes from Germany and Poland.

On behalf of CZ DEFENCE, we asked the Minister of Defense what stage the acquisition process for the supply of field kitchens for the Czech Armed Forces is currently at. "The contract for the purchase of field kitchens was awarded through a transparent open tender, which was also published in the European Public Procurement Journal. Several bidders entered the competition, and the company with the lowest bid won. Speculation that we should cancel the tender or negotiate the price is not possible—the law does not allow it, and direct award could lead to heavy penalties, as has happened in the past. The supplier was in default, and the first kitchens were not delivered on time. The Ministry of Defense therefore imposed a contractual penalty, which exceeded CZK 35 million at the end of July and rose to more than CZK 40 million by the time part of the equipment was taken over in September. This significantly reduced the final price of the contract – in real terms by up to 60%. To date, we have not paid anything to the company. The army took delivery of the first kitchens on September 8, complete and without defects. The ministry will rigorously enforce all contractual claims. I regret that some of the media reported on the contract in a misleading manner. Headlines repeatedly appeared stating that it was a company owned by a "former ODS senator." However, this week I found out that it is a businessman who is now a representative of the SPD. I have never been in contact with him personally. Unfortunately, this initial label created the impression that the ministry had favored a "party colleague," which is not true. On the contrary, the ministry acted in full compliance with the law, tax funds were not spent prematurely, and thanks to the sanctions imposed, we even managed to save money," replied the minister.

New Leopard 2A8 tanks for the Czech Armed Forces

Yesterday's program also included the ceremonial signing of a binding order, on the basis of which the Ministry of Defense will purchase 44 Leopard 2A8 command and battle tanks. The Czech Republic is thus joining the framework agreement between the German Ministry of Defense and the manufacturer KNDS Deutschland.

At the same time, an agreement on industrial cooperation was concluded, which will ensure the involvement of the Czech defense industry. "Tanks are an essential part of a heavy brigade. By joining the agreement to purchase the latest Leopard 2A8 machines, we are not only fulfilling our commitment to our allies in the North Atlantic Alliance, but above all, we are repaying a debt to our own defense capabilities," said Defense Minister Jana Černochová.

The first phase of the purchase is worth CZK 32.76 billion, including VAT, and includes a reserve of CZK 5 billion. A separate contract for so-called "Bohemization" (national equipment, camouflage, communication equipment, machine guns, and ammunition for testing) is worth CZK 1.49 billion. The Czech Republic is purchasing tanks in the same configuration as the German and Dutch armies. The delivery also includes protection systems, spare parts, training, and logistical support. The framework agreement allows for the purchase of up to 58 tanks, with an option for an additional 14. The Ministry of Defense also plans to purchase 19 tanks in special versions (engineering, recovery, bridge, and driver training).

The first tanks will arrive in 2028, and all deliveries will be completed in 2031. The joint purchase with Germany has resulted in financial and administrative savings and enabled a lower unit price. At least eleven Czech companies will participate in the industrial cooperation program, contributing to the production of components, ensuring the life cycle of the tanks, and supplying other KNDS customers. The value of the cooperation is at least CZK 1.9 billion, with potential for further growth.