Czech government to review updated army development strategy

The Czech government is set to consider an updated strategy for developing the armed forces through 2040 on Monday. The document prioritises completing a heavy mechanised brigade, modernising a medium brigade and strengthening air defence and command systems in response to growing security risks, particularly from Russia. It raises the target for professional soldiers to at least 32,000 by 2030. However, according to the proposal, budget constraints will limit the development of new capabilities, with most funding through 2030 committed to existing contracts. The strategy envisages defence spending gradually rising to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035.