The international exercise Moravian Lance 2026 took place at the Libavá military training area from October 5 to 16. Its main objective was to test the ability to conduct high-intensity combat and to integrate the Czech Army’s new capabilities into combat operations. Approximately 1,000 soldiers and nearly all of the main branches of the Czech Armed Forces participated in the exercise. Particular emphasis was placed on the use of unmanned and robotic systems, electronic warfare, digital command and control, and new procedures for medical and logistical support.

Video: Moravian Lance 2026: The Czech Army Tested New Ways of Waging Modern War / CZ DEFENCE

The Moravian Lance 2026 exercise was the 71st Mechanized Battalion’s main training mission this year and also marked the culmination of a 14-month experimental project. As part of a single scenario, it integrated the maneuver operations of mechanized and tank units with fire support, engineering, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, logistics, medical support, aviation, unmanned systems, and other specialized capabilities.

The international nature of the exercise is evidenced, among other things, by the participation of experts from the Nordic countries and Belgium, who focused on repairing military equipment.

One of the main themes of the exercise was unmanned systems – both aerial and ground-based – and defenses against them. Medical support was also a significant part of the exercise; as part of this, the 71st Mechanized Battalion tested a new concept for first-level medical facilities, which calls for greater involvement of combat medics directly with combat units.

For the 7th Mechanized Brigade, this exercise also had broader significance in light of its upcoming large-scale modernization. This modernization will bring new platforms, digital systems, and a significantly higher level of sensor and information integration.