Czech army fills nearly two thirds of annual recruitment target

The Czech Army has already filled nearly two thirds of its recruitment target for this year in the first quarter. It plans to recruit 2,250 new soldiers in 2026 and has so far reached 65.5 percent of that goal, up from 49 percent two weeks ago.

Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna said this on TV Nova’s debate programme on Sunday. He also defended the defence budget, which the government coalition has faced criticism over from the opposition.

According to the Defence Ministry, there were 28,285 professional soldiers at the start of last year, including members of Military Intelligence and the Military Police. The army aims to have 30,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 members of the active reserve by 2030.