Pavel says proposed army development plan falls short of NATO commitments

President Petr Pavel says the proposed plan for developing the Czech armed forces through 2040 discussed at Monday’s cabinet session would not ensure that the country meets its allied commitments or be prepared for a high-intensity conflict.

Pavel told journalists after leaving the government offices that the aim should be to build a fully combat-ready Czech army capable of defending the country's territory and fulfilling its commitments to NATO.

Pavel said he had attended the cabinet meeting primarily to discuss two specific items on the agenda: the long-term defence outlook and the proposed army development concept. He considers both documents crucial in view of the current security situation.

The president declined to comment further on the outcome of the cabinet's discussions.