The annual Command Assembly, which was traditionally attended by the highest representatives of the state, i.e. the President of the Republic, the Chief of the General Staff, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, was dealing with three strong themes this year. In addition to the expected issues of anti-coronavirus measures and the way in which the military would be used to help carry them out, there were mainly issues of modernization and purchase of new systems and weapons, and, in particular, guarantees for their financing. After all, these measures influenced also the course of the meeting. It took place at several locations, and the personal participation of both commanders and journalists was limited. The public part of the meeting and the subsequent press conference were streamed.

Picture: The annual Command Assembly, which was traditionally attended by the highest representatives of the state, i.e. the President of the Republic, the Chief of the General Staff, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, had three strong themes this year. | army.cz

Chief of General Staff Gen. Opata sees a solution in the comprehensive support of all five “operational domains”. From investments in heavy brigades (purchases of tracked IFVs, artillery guns, etc.) to purchases in cybernetic systems enabling the army to face hybrid threats. According to him, what is necessary in order to build an army of the 21st century is not only to change and modernize technologies, but also to change the thinking. What General Opata sees as very important is the strict testing of the newly acquired Command and Control System in the implementation of anti-covid measures as well as maintaining a sufficient amount of funds for planned purchases.

Picture: Chief of General Staff Gen. Opata sees a solution in the comprehensive support of all five “operational domains”. | army.cz

This request was also supported by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, President Miloš Zeman, when he spoke about the combat readiness of the army. However, he set 2 conditions. All planned acquisitions should be carried out with the maximum support of Czech armaments companies, and the army should really be modernized through new generation systems that have proven their use and functionality in combat. In particular, according to President Zeman, it is the purchase of Israeli drones that have this reference. The President also drew attention to the fact that the real enemy is international Islamic terrorism, which is a threat to us as well. He described the anti-Russian and anti-Chinese hysteria as a groundless path, which, according to Zeman, is driven only by economic interests.

Picture: Both Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Defence Minister Lubomír Metnar not only promised to push through the proposed budget for the army for the next year, but also agreed that the current economic problems with the public finance deficit must not hamper investments in the army. | army.cz

Both Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Defence Minister Lubomír Metnar not only promised to push through the proposed budget for the army for the next year, but also agreed that the current economic problems with the public finance deficit must not hamper investments in the army. “You can count on me,” the Prime Minister promised.