Defence industry in Czechia

Published: 06.03.2023 Related countries:  Thailand Thailand

The Czech Republic has a long history of producing military equipment, dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War II, Czechoslovakia became a major producer of military hardware for the Eastern Bloc countries. Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the Czech Republic has worked to restructure its defence industry and shift its focus towards NATO standards and the global market.

Today, the Czech defence industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The industry is comprised of both state-owned and private companies, with the largest players being state-owned enterprises such as Czechoslovak Group (CSG) and VOP CZ.

CSG is a conglomerate of 29 companies focused on the production of defence and security products. Its subsidiaries produce everything from firearms and ammunition to aircraft components and radar systems. VOP CZ is primarily involved in the production of military vehicles, including the Tatra 810 truck and the Pandur II armored vehicle.

In addition to these large state-owned companies, there are also numerous smaller private firms that specialize in areas such as optics, electronics, and software development for military applications. These companies are agile and responsive to customer needs.

The Czech defence industry has been successful in exporting its products to countries around the world, including NATO allies and other friendly nations. Some of the Czech Republic's top customers include Indonesia, Iraq, and Vietnam. The country has also made efforts to diversify its customer base beyond traditional markets in Europe and the Middle East, with recent successes in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Overall, the Czech defence industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy and a major player in the global market for military equipment. It has shown a willingness to adapt and evolve in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

CzechTrade Thailand

Source: The Czech Ministry of Defence and the Czech Association of Defence and Security Industry (AOBP)