At the end of September 2026 the Czech army tested unmanned systems and defences against them at the Březina military training area near Vyškov and at a training ground in Lipník nad Bečvou in the Přerov area. More than 70 companies from 17 countries took part in the third edition of the Drone Shield 2026 exercise. Observers from NATO armies were also present, for example from Slovakia, Latvia and the United States.[1]
Michal Peterek, who led the exercise, said the aim is to gain an overview of the technologies on the market and to determine the direction in which the army will move. According to him, the results will serve future army purchases. Petr Milčický, director of the Force Development Section of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, said that after each exercise the army adds to its database on the capabilities of equipment and companies.[1]
According to Peterek, this year's edition was exceptional for the participation of foreign entities, including Ukrainian firms employing former soldiers with operational experience. During the demonstrations the army tested, for example, drones with Last Mile technology, in which the operator locks onto a target in the final phase of flight and the drone then navigates to it autonomously, as well as drones dropping grenades and a personal reconnaissance drone. Army representatives said that the firms are making progress in resistance to electronic warfare, for example through optical guidance instead of satellite navigation.[1]
Chronology
- — The Czech Army is testing unmanned systems and defences against them at the Březina Military Training Area near Vyškov and at a range in Lipník nad Bečvou as part of the third Drone Shield 2026 exercise, which more than 70 companies from 17 countries have joined. ČTK / České noviny Brněnská Drbna
Sources
- ČTK / České noviny — 29 September 2026