Press: Defence chiefs keen to show increased funds will be well spent

The leadership of the Czech Army and the Ministry of Defence are keen to dispel fears that increased defence spending next year will be effective, Právo reported on Saturday. A sharp rise in the army’s budget means that officials will have over CZK 150 billion at their disposal in 2024.

The chief of the General Staff, Karel Řehka, told the newspaper that tens of billions would be spent on munitions in the coming five years.

Ammunition for the newly acquired 52 French Caesar self-propelled howitzers alone will cost CZK 10 billion. Individual rounds cost up to hundreds of thousands, depending on their capabilities.