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Czech firearms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka has won a contract with the German army, which has selected the company’s pistol as its new standard service weapon.

The Uherský Brod–based firm secured the deal in an international tender, beating several global competitors. The company announced the decision in a press release on Friday but did not disclose the contract’s value or size.

Česká zbrojovka will work closely with its authorised German partner, POL-TEC GmbH & Co, to fulfil the contract and provide comprehensive support for the Bundeswehr.

Česká zbrojovka was founded in 1992, with firearms production in Uherský Brod dating back to the 1930s. It is owned by Colt CZ Group SE, a global small-arms and ammunition manufacturer employing around 4,000 people.

President Petr Pavel has welcomed the European Council’s agreement on financial assistance for Ukraine, calling it “extremely important” in light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. “Russia’s aggressive war is severely exhausting the country,” Pavel wrote on the social media platform X. He said European support was essential not only for Ukraine’s survival but also as a prudent investment in the security of Europe and the Czech Republic.

“I would therefore consider it right for us, together with other Europeans, to show that we are capable of taking on our share of responsibility for the fate of our continent,” the president said.

The government has also come under fire from the opposition parties over the decision.

The Ministry of Defence will continue with strategic  modernization projects, including the acquisition of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna (SPD) said at a press conference on Friday. According to Zůna, air defence and the military’s role in new operational domains will now be top priorities. His first foreign trip as minister will be to Slovakia, following Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s (ANO) visit there in January. A visit to Ukraine is also planned, Zůna told reporters.

Zůna praised the outcome of negotiations conducted by Prime Minister Babiš in Brussels, describing them as the “cleanest possible path” in terms of implementation and the most acceptable option from the perspective of Czech national interests. Support for Ukraine will continue, with the Czech Republic standing on Kyiv’s side and Russia identified as the aggressor, Zůna said.  At the same time, he stressed the need to seek optimal forms of assistance for the country under attack.

The Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD), which nominated Zůna to the cabinet formed by ANO, SPD and the Motorists, advocates ending financial aid to Ukraine as well as the Czech ammunition initiative.

Saturday should be overcast with morning fog in places  and day temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius.