The Czech Republic is reviewing a new lease extension offer from Sweden for its fleet of Gripen C/D fighter jets. The proposed agreement, running from 2027 to 2035, is intended to bridge the gap until the arrival of F-35s beginning in 2031. The revised deal includes a 25% discount, bringing the cost to 16.65 billion CZK ($732 million). It covers maintenance, pilot training, and continued operation of 12 Gripen aircraft. An additional 3.9 billion CZK may be allocated for potential modernization efforts. Original news
Category: Czech Republic
Czech Defense Firm CSG Forecasts Continued Growth Amid European Rearmament
Czech-based defense company CSG anticipates sustained double-digit growth as European nations ramp up military spending. The firm reported a 131% revenue increase in 2024, reaching €4 billion, with EBITDA rising 146% to €1.1 billion. CSG currently holds an €11 billion backlog, primarily in large-calibre ammunition and armored vehicle orders. CFO Zdenek Jurak expressed confidence in long-term growth, citing the continued surge in defense sector investment. The company expects to benefit significantly from Europe’s ongoing rearmament efforts. Original news
Czech Crowdfunding Campaign Raises £2.3M to Buy Black Hawk for Ukraine
The Czech campaign “Darek Pro Putina” (Gift for Putin) has raised over £2.3 million from 20,500 donors to purchase a UH-60A+ Black Hawk helicopter for Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence. The aircraft is expected to be delivered this month, marking a unique civilian-led military aid effort. The campaign highlights how European civilians are stepping in to provide advanced military equipment, traditionally supplied by national governments. The Mail described the initiative as “a remarkable example of civilian support” in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. The effort showcases growing grassroots engagement in European military assistance to Ukraine. Original news
Ukraine begins licensed assembly of Colt CZ Bren 2 assault rifle
Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom began assembling the Czech-designed Colt CZ Bren 2 assault rifle as part of a technology transfer agreement initiated on July 16. The announcement on December 13 highlighted the rifle’s integration into Ukraine’s armed forces. Ceska Zbrojovka A S, part of Colt CZ Group, confirmed on December 20 that assembly is proceeding successfully. Known for its modularity, the Bren 2 is available in various configurations and calibers, including NATO-standard 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm, along with Ukraine’s domestically produced 7.62×39 mm. This initiative reflects Ukraine’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities through international collaboration. Original news
Czechoslovak Group Expands With $2.2 Billion US Acquisition
Czechoslovak Group AS (CSG) has acquired multiple U.S. ammunition plants from Vista Outdoor Inc. for $2.2 billion, making it the largest producer of small-caliber ammunition outside China and Russia. The acquisition aligns with CSG’s focus on supplying NATO armies to replenish depleted stockpiles, as highlighted by company board member David Stepan. Stepan stated that the deal is part of a broader strategy, with CSG continuing to explore opportunities in other defense segments despite achieving sufficient small-caliber production capacity. The acquisition has also expanded CSG’s global workforce to 14,000 employees. This move reinforces CSG’s position as a key player in the […]
Czech Army set for more upgraded Leopards as part of an equipment swap with Ukraine
Rheinmetall has secured a €161 million (US$169 million) deal to supply 14 refurbished Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBTs) to the Czech Republic under a “ring swap agreement.” This arrangement allows the Czech Republic to receive modern tanks in exchange for providing older equipment to Ukraine’s armed forces. The tanks, primarily sourced from former Swiss stocks, will be upgraded to meet Czech-specific configurations. Delivery is set to be completed by the end of 2026 as part of efforts to modernize the Czech military. This agreement underscores ongoing European defense collaboration in response to regional security challenges. Original news
The Czech military to buy 14 Leopard tanks from Germany in a $167 million deal
The Czech Defense Ministry announced plans to purchase 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany for $167 million as part of a broader military modernization effort amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. The $4 billion Czech crown deal is expected to be signed with Germany’s Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH by year’s end, with tank deliveries planned by the end of 2026. Defense Minister Jana Černochová emphasized that this modernization is part of phasing out old Russian weapons and strengthening overall military capabilities. This follows last year’s Czech government approval of major defense acquisitions, including 24 U.S. F-35 fighter jets and 246 Swedish CV90 […]
Brazil sees highest defence exports in a decade
Brazil’s defense exports hit an 11-year high in 2024, reaching BRL9.53 billion (USD1.57 billion) by the end of October, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Defence. This record surpassed the previous high of USD1.62 billion set in 2021 and easily exceeded 2023’s total of USD1.45 billion. The main exports this year included fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, light weapons, ammunition, and engineering services. Key deals featured the sale of Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft to Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, along with A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Paraguay and Uruguay. Brazil’s rising defense exports reflect its growing presence in the […]
Czech Initiative Faces Challenges In Supplying Artillery To Ukraine
The Czech Republic is facing logistical and financial difficulties with its initiative to supply Ukraine with artillery shells, including plans for 500,000 rounds of 155mm and 300,000 rounds of 122mm, valued at $3.2 billion. Challenges have emerged regarding the concealment and technical reliability of these shells. In response, Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová introduced “Initiative 2025,” which aims to leverage frozen Russian assets for funding. This initiative is part of broader efforts to support Ukraine’s defense amid a critical ammunition shortage, as European and U.S. manufacturers must double production to meet the rising demand. Additionally, Ukraine has requested ATACMS missiles […]
Czech Republic picks Embraer C-390 cargo planes for its air force
The Czech Ministry of Defence has signed a deal to acquire two Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, making it the fifth NATO member to choose this Brazilian plane. Defense Minister Jana Černochová emphasized the importance of long-range, heavy cargo transport capabilities, citing evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan as clear examples of this need. The first two aircraft are scheduled for delivery next year, with Czech company Aero Vodochody participating in parts production for the C-390, supporting local industry. An Industrial Cooperation Agreement with Embraer, signed in October, brings the program’s value to over $82.3 million. This acquisition aligns with recent […]
Czech defence group CSG acquires IFF’s nitrocellulose production in Germany
Czech defence company Czechoslovak Group (CSG) announced plans to acquire IFF’s nitrocellulose business in Germany, including the industrial park, to expand its chemical manufacturing for the defence industry. The acquired business currently produces nitrocellulose for industrial uses, such as coatings and inks, with CSG aiming to add energetic nitrocellulose production for defense over time. This expansion aligns with CSG’s goal to support NATO and EU defense capabilities, despite regulatory challenges and high energy costs in Europe. CSG’s defense division head, Jan Marinov, emphasized the strategic importance of energetic nitrocellulose for long-term security interests. The acquisition, expected to finalize in 2025, […]
Aero Vodochody confident of further export deals as L-39NG is rebranded Skyfox
Aero Vodochody has renamed its L-39NG jet trainer as the L-39 Skyfox, aiming to boost sales to customers like Vietnam and Hungary. CEO Viktor Sotona is optimistic about expanding beyond the current 28 aircraft orders, focusing on legacy L-39 operators in Africa and NATO countries. Though a deal with Slovakia seems logical, the country has chosen the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 as its main combat aircraft. Aero Vodochody is also growing its aerostructures business, signing a memorandum of understanding with Embraer to enhance cooperation on the C-390 program. Additionally, the company is increasing production for Spirit AeroSystems and other […]
CSG signs deal for Ukrainian production of artillery shells
Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has signed an agreement with Ukrainian arms manufacturer Ukrainska Bronetechnika to begin local production of 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine. The collaboration, formalized on October 2, 2024, aims to produce 100,000 shells in 2025, with a target of over 300,000 annually by 2026. This initiative will strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities by reducing costs and ensuring local production capacity. CSG has been supporting Ukraine’s defense needs since 2018, with increased military equipment deliveries following Russia’s 2022 invasion. The Czech Ministry of Defence and AMOS played key roles in facilitating this cooperation to enhance Ukraine’s long-term defense industry. Original […]
Czech Republic Set To Sign C-390 Contract
The Czech government is set to sign a contract with Embraer in November to purchase two C-390 Millennium aircraft, becoming the fifth European country to acquire the Brazilian-made airlifter. The deal, valued at 11.3 billion Czech koruna ($490 million), includes equipment for aerial firefighting, medical evacuation, and refueling capabilities. This procurement is driven by global security concerns and will enable the Czech Air Force to support a range of operations. The contract also strengthens Czech industry, with Aero Vodochody playing a key role in manufacturing C-390 components, and it will deepen collaboration between Embraer and Czech organizations. Delivery of the […]