The Concept for Armed Forces Development until 2040 is to be discussed by the Government of the Czech Republic. According to the draft, the Czech Republic fails to meet seventy percent of the capability-building targets set by NATO, and in the most demanding areas it lags five to ten years behind. The document states that this shortfall limits the ability of the Czech Armed Forces to fulfil collective defence tasks.[1][2]
The draft further describes low operational readiness and sustainability of forces, insufficient personnel numbers, and a long-accumulated material deficit in weapons, supplies and infrastructure. It identifies major shortcomings in air and counter-drone defence, as well as in territorial forces and host-nation support. The document also describes an attack on NATO and European Union member states, particularly by Russia, as increasingly likely, and warns of a shift of responsibility for conventional collective defence from the United States to European allies.[1][2]
The concept envisages a response in three stages, with milestones in 2030, 2035 and 2040. The so-called next-generation army is to be built only by 2040, by which time air and counter-drone defence against ballistic and hypersonic missiles should be completed.[1][2]
According to iDNES.cz, the government of Andrej Babiš wants to keep defence spending at two percent of gross domestic product until 2029, reaching 2.25 percent only at the end of the first stage. According to the medium-term outlook of the state budget, spending by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic is projected at approximately CZK 190.9 billion in 2027, about CZK 211 billion in 2028, and about CZK 221.8 billion in 2029. A more substantial increase is expected after 2030.[1][2]
Former Minister of Defence Jana Černochová (ODS) told iDNES.cz that, thanks to the modernisation already under way, the armed forces are in better condition than a few years ago, but are still paying the price for long-term underfunding. She said the concept confirms serious shortcomings in readiness for a large-scale conflict. She called it alarming that there is a discrepancy between the document's conclusions and the current government's actions, and demanded that the government secure funding for personnel, ammunition, air defence and continued modernisation.[1][2]
Objections of President Pavel from 2 November 2026
Pavel attended the meeting mainly because of two items, the long-term defence outlook and the concept, which he considers crucial given the current security situation. He declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting [3][4][5].
According to the president, the goal of the concept should be a fully combat-capable army able to defend its own territory and fulfil commitments to allies. Pavel said the Czech Republic fails to meet 70 percent of the required capability-building targets, and in those requiring the most resources it lags five to ten years behind [6].
Pavel acknowledged that the government must address other priorities as well, but pointed out that allies face similar problems and have nevertheless supported increased defence spending. He did not want to shift responsibility for the shortcomings onto the armed forces, which operate with resources provided by the political leadership. "It is the government that is responsible for the country's security," he said [6].
According to a document obtained by the Czech News Agency, the planned funding through 2030 will allow only limited development of selected capabilities. The new draft raises the target number of professional soldiers to at least 32,000 by the same year; the 2023 concept envisaged at least 30,000. The main priorities include completing the heavy brigade, launching modernisation of the medium brigade, strengthening protection against airborne threats, and improving command and control [3][6].
Discussion of the Concept by the Government on 2 November 2026
According to the draft, the armed forces aim to reach at least 32,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 active reserve members by 2030, and later to increase the number of reservists to 15,000. At the start of June 2026, it had more than 25,700 professional soldiers and over 5,000 active reserve members [7][8][9].
Stages of Capability Development
According to the text of the concept, capability development proceeds in three stages. The first stage is determined by the approved financial framework, which sets defence spending at 2 percent of GDP until 2029. In this stage, resources are concentrated on selectively eliminating urgent shortcomings, particularly in the heavy brigade and air defence. Comprehensive capability development is planned for the following two stages and is conditional on increased defence spending from 2030 onward.
According to the concept, the armed forces' main task is to defend the state through participation in NATO's joint defence effort [8][9].
Chronology
- — The Government of the Czech Republic, with President Petr Pavel in attendance, discussed a new concept for the development of the Czech Armed Forces until 2040, which sets a target of at least 32,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 active reserve members by 2030. ČTK / České noviny iDNES.cz
- — President Petr Pavel criticised the proposed Concept for the Development of the Armed Forces until 2040, saying it would not allow Czechia to meet its NATO commitments, on the day the government discussed it at its meeting. ČTK / České noviny Deník.cz
- — The Government of the Czech Republic approved the Concept for the Development of the Armed Forces until 2040 and the Long-Term Outlook for Defence 2045; President Petr Pavel, who attended the meeting, said afterwards that in his view the concept would not ensure that allied commitments are met. Novinky.cz ČTK / České noviny
- — A draft concept for army development until 2040, due to be discussed by the government, states that the Czech army fails to meet 70 percent of NATO requirements and lacks the strength for a major conflict. iROZHLAS iDNES.cz
Sources
- iDNES.cz — 29 October 2026
- Lidovky.cz — 29 October 2026
- ČTK / České noviny — 2 November 2026
- Deník.cz — 2 November 2026
- FORUM 24 — 2 November 2026
- Ekonomický deník — 2 November 2026
- ČTK / České noviny — 2 November 2026
- iDNES.cz — 2 November 2026
- Lidovky.cz — 2 November 2026