Czech Army chief: Russia remains a threat, military expansion needed

Even if the fighting in Ukraine ends, Russia will not become friendlier or more predictable, Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka said in a debate programme on Czech Television on Sunday, stressing the need to further expand the army’s capacity.

Mr. Řehka questioned the feasibility of increasing the number of professional soldiers to 37,500, calling for a thorough analysis. Given demographic trends and current recruitment levels, he said the goal is unrealistic, and alternative army models should be considered.

Under current plans, the Czech army aims to have 30,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 active reservists by 2030. Currently, the army has about 23,600 troops, with only 1,000 added in the past five years. The updated army development strategy, expected to be approved this year, envisions growing the force to 37,500, meaning an increase of roughly 14,000 soldiers over the next decade.