Defence Minister: Czech army recruits nearly 3,700 soldiers this year

The Czech army has recruited nearly 3,700 soldiers this year, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna said on Wednesday. He added that he hoped to maintain a similar pace next year.

The army aims to reach 30,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 active reservists by 2035. A new strategy, being prepared for 2040, is expected to set higher targets.

Zůna said modernisation requires enough trained personnel as well as new equipment. He also stressed the need for closer cooperation between the military, Czech defence companies and researchers to bring new technologies into service more quickly.