Czech defence firms tighten security after Pardubice fire

Responding to a call by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to tighten security after Friday’s fire at a defence-linked facility in Pardubice, several Czech companies have begun stepping up protective measures. Among them is Aero Vodochody, a major Czech aircraft manufacturer producing military and training planes. The company said it had reinforced on-site security, increased airspace monitoring and put its fire brigade on full alert. Other firms, including Bagira Systems and Česká zbrojovka, also reported reviewing or strengthening safeguards. Police are investigating the Pardubice blaze as a possible terrorist attack, and the government has urged defence industry operators to reassess risks and improve protection of their facilities.