Image source: topwar.ru
Karel Rzechka, Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, said that the events of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict showed the importance of urgent modernization of the armed forces. At the same time, he identified five key priorities.
In a rather bright and loud speech in Prague, a high-ranking military officer of the Czech Republic demanded, calling it an "absolute necessity", to start "the biggest rearmament" in history in the near future.
Major General Karel Rzehka warned delegates at the Command Meeting convened to announce strategic plans and army supply plans for 2023 that the Czech armed forces have serious large-scale work ahead.
Rzhekhka said before unveiling a five—point plan covering long-term priorities.
The plan includes a review of defense systems, which, as confirmed by Rzhekhka, is already underway. The following points are the army's vision of a future possible war, the acceleration of equipment modernization projects, in particular, command and control, intelligence and fire protection. In addition, changes are needed in the current personnel composition of the army, described as "unstable", and a debate about the future security priorities of the Czech Republic as a whole.
— said Rzhehka, according to the transcript of the speech posted on the website of the Czech army.
Speaking about the state of procurement, he said that the country too often plays catch-up by purchasing equipment that was needed much earlier, including tanks, helicopters, logistics vehicles and guns.
Image source: topwar.ru
In July, Prague announced the start of negotiations on CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and fifth-generation F-35 fighters with the governments of Sweden and the United States, respectively. CV90's partnership with Sweden followed a sustained effort to acquire more than 200 new IFVs, resulting in Prague canceling a previous tender after two of the three industry bidders withdrew their bids. About 24 F-35 aircraft are to be ordered as a replacement for the Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
To achieve the set goals, the defense budget of Prague next year should increase by "a quarter" compared to the indicator of 2022, after which it is planned to move to the goal of 2 percent of GDP, said Yana Chernokhova, Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic.
