The Czech army does not meet NATO goals and this will not change soon

The strategy, approved by the Czech government on Monday, estimates that the likelihood of a Russian attack on NATO and European Union countries is increasing.

"The Czech Republic is not meeting 70 percent of NATO's capacity-building goals, and is lagging behind by 5-10 years in those requiring the greatest expenditure," says the document, quoted by Reuters.

According to the strategy, these shortages limit the ability of the Czech army to perform tasks related to the common defense of the Alliance.

More soldiers, air defense and drones

The plan assumes increasing the size of the army from the current approximately 26,000. up to 32 thousand soldiers by 2030. The priorities also include the development of air defense and anti-drone systems, faster implementation of new technologies and strengthening the ability to defend one's own territory.

However, the authors of the document emphasized that the situation would improve slowly in the coming years, despite the deteriorating security environment in Europe.

Spending will remain at 2%. GDP

The Czech Republic has spent less than 2% on defense in recent years. GDP – a level previously considered minimum in NATO. The current government does not plan to increase spending above this threshold in 2027–2029.

This is a different approach than, among others, Poland, the Baltic states and Germany, which are strengthening defense financing in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.

NATO countries agreed last year that by 2035, spending on basic defense should reach 3.5 percent. GDP per year, and an additional 1.5 percent GDP is to be spent on infrastructure. The Czech plan envisages reaching the level of 3.5%. GDP only in the years 2030–2035.

F-35 and Leopard purchases will limit other projects

By 2030, the funds are to go almost exclusively to already approved programs, such as the purchase of 24 F-35 fighters, Leopard tanks and short- and medium-range air defense systems.

According to the strategy, this may slow down the construction of a medium brigade, the development of unmanned systems and anti-drone capabilities.

President Petr Pavel, a former general and NATO representative, criticized the assumptions of the strategy. He assessed that the document did not allow achieving the basic goals, even in a relatively long term.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš pointed out that faster recruitment of soldiers and investments in air defense and anti-drone systems are crucial.