Czech army sets record recruitment goal for 2026

The Czech Army plans to enlist 2,250 new soldiers next year — one of its most ambitious recruitment targets ever, the Defence Ministry confirmed. This would surpass this year’s goal of 2,100 recruits, which has already been met ahead of schedule. According to Colonel Iva Bednářová of the army’s personnel agency, 2025 will likely see a net increase of about 650 soldiers, the best result in five years. The boost follows a government-approved pay rise and higher housing and stability bonuses intended to make military service more attractive. Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka has repeatedly said that the army’s current size of roughly 28,000 troops is inadequate for today’s security threats, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Defence plans call for expanding the armed forces to about 37,500 soldiers in the coming years.