Czech Defence in the Spotlight

摘要

A look at how the Czech Republic is embarking on an ambitious modernisation programme to procure new equipment for its armed forces, particularly as it looks to replace legacy Soviet equipment with modern Western systems that comply with NATO standards. Much like the rest of Europe, Russia's invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014 was a wake-up call for the Czech Republic, particularly in relation to its approach to domestic security and defence. The country's 2017 Defence Strategy noted that Russia, "blatantly carries out its power ambitions," including through the use of military force. "In doing so, the Russian Federation violates the norms of international law, including the territorial integrity of its neighbouring states," the document explained.