Not just toys: Drones are reshaping modern warfare
Unmanned aerial systems have become central to today's battlefields, far beyond what many European armies expected. General Roman Hyťha, Director of the Armed Forces Intelligence Division at the General Staff, says the Czech military must adapt quickly—or risk falling behind.
From garage-made machines to mass production
Drones have become omnipresent in the war in Ukraine—used by everyone from small tactical units to top-level commanders. According to General Roman Hyťha, their rapid proliferation has caught many by surprise.
“Drones are not new. We’ve seen their potential for years. For example, in Iraq we observed how non-state actors started using kamikaze drones. But the big difference now is that we’re dealing with state actors—states with the ability to mass-produce drones and use them strategically.”
General Hyťha explains that on the Ukrainian side, drone development began in makeshift workshops, with volunteers building UAVs in garages to support frontline units suffering from artillery shortages. That improvisation evolved into an efficient production system with massive output.
Training soldiers, upgrading systems
The Czech Armed Forces are now aiming to integrate drones into all levels of operation—even down to individual combat units.
“We’ve already modified the training modules for drone operators at the Military Academy in Vyškov, and we’ll keep adjusting them. We’ll need simulators and classrooms, of course, but I don’t foresee the need for major new infrastructure.”
General Hyťha emphasizes the need for a flexible approach to procurement, especially as drone software and technology continue to evolve in cycles as short as two to three months.
“The key factor in procurement isn’t just buying drones—it’s the ability to upgrade them continuously, especially the components that deal with control, guidance, and delivery to the field.”
New technologies demand new thinking
More than anything, says Hyťha, what the military needs now is a shift in mindset—both in strategy and tactics.
“We need to rethink the acquisition process. Too often we hear complaints about how long procurement takes. But the environment is changing so fast that our systems—processes, legislation, institutional culture—must adapt.”
He also points out that experimenting with drones isn’t child’s play—it’s a serious part of gaining technological readiness.
“Sometimes I tell the public that we need to ‘play’ with drones. But I don’t mean that we’re kids on a playground. What I mean is, we need to experiment with new technologies, understand them deeply, and use that understanding to build capabilities.”
As drones become as ubiquitous on the battlefield as rifles or radios, the Czech military leadership is clearly preparing for a future where technological literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential.
