Czech Army

The Czech military is an important part not only of the country's national security, but also of the entire NATO defense system, of which the Czech Republic became a member in 1999. Despite its relatively small size, the Czech Army is characterized by a high level of training, modern weaponry and active participation in international missions.

The origins of the Czech military tradition go back a long way. Already in the times of Great Moravia and Přemyslovic Bohemia, units were formed to defend the country's borders. In the Middle Ages, a crucial role was played by the Hussites, who, under the leadership of Jan Žižka, became famous for their innovative tactics and ability to fight against numerically superior armies.

After the First World War, in 1918, the Czechoslovak Army was created, which became the basis for future armed forces. In the interwar period, Czechoslovakia was considered one of the most armed countries in Europe - it was here that Škoda vehicles were manufactured and exported to dozens of countries.
The Second World War divided the fate of the army. Some units fought in the ranks of the Allies, while others were forced to serve in the German army. After 1945 Czechoslovakia entered the sphere of influence of the USSR, and the army was rebuilt according to the Soviet model, becoming part of the Warsaw Pact.

After the Velvet Revolution and the collapse of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the Army of the Czech Republic was created on its basis. Since then, it has been fully professionalized and oriented towards cooperation with NATO and the EU.

Today, the Czech Army is a professional armed force that includes:

• Ground forces are the backbone of the army, and include mechanized and tank battalions, artillery units, engineering units, and reconnaissance.
• Air Force - provides airspace defense and participation in international missions. The Czech Republic uses modern JAS-39 Gripen fighters, C-295 transport aircraft and Mi-171 helicopters.
• Special Operations Forces - elite units involved in anti-terrorist operations and missions abroad.
• Territorial troops (reserve) - volunteers ready to support regular units when needed.

The Czech Army performs a number of key functions:

• protection of the country's territory and airspace;
• participation in joint NATO and EU operations;
• humanitarian and peacekeeping missions;
• assistance to civil services during natural disasters (floods, fires).

In recent years, the Czech military participated in missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Mali, Lithuania and other countries. This confirms the high level of trust of allies and the army's ability to operate beyond the homeland.

Although the Czech Republic is a medium-sized country, its army has a modern arsenal. It is armed with:

• Gripen fighter jets, which the Czech Republic leases from Sweden;
• modernized T-72M4 CZ tanks;
• Pandur II armored personnel carriers;
• CAESAR's modern artillery systems;
• unmanned systems for reconnaissance.

The country's government pays great attention to the renewal of military equipment. In accordance with its NATO commitments, the Czech Republic is gradually increasing defense spending, bringing it closer to 2% of GDP.

The Czech army is perceived not only as a protector of the country, but also as an important element of society. The military takes part in educational programs, helps in emergency situations, and attracts young people to service through reserve and cadet projects.

Territorial Troops, a form of voluntary service where citizens can combine work or study with military training, are particularly popular.

Since the Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999, the army has been actively integrated into the collective defense system. The Czech military participates in Enhanced Forward Presence missions in the Baltic States, takes part in Allied airspace protection and joint exercises.

In addition, the Czech Republic is developing military cooperation within the European Union, supplying specialists and equipment for security and humanitarian aid missions.

The Czech government is betting on modernization. In the coming years, the plan is to:

• procurement of new Leopard 2A7 tanks;
• renewal of the helicopter fleet;
• cybersecurity development;
• expanding the capabilities of the SWAT team.

In this way, the Czech Army remains a modern, mobile and integrated unit international structures.

The Czech Army has come a long way: from medieval Hussites to the professional armed forces of the 21st century. Today, it is a small but well-trained army that combines national traditions with modern technology and actively participates in missions around the world. For the Czech Republic, its army is not only a guarantor of security, but also a symbol of independence, resilience and readiness to cooperate with allies.