The strategic context for this visit is defined by a deteriorating security environment in Central Europe. Hlaváč has publicly stated that Russia is waging a conflict with Europe that is on the verge of open war, characterized primarily by hybrid actions and cyberattacks. In an interview with the Czech news agency ČTK, Hlaváč posited that Moscow could test the cohesion of NATO member states by launching a “partial” attack on a member’s territory. While the general did not specify the nature or scale of such a hypothetical attack, this assessment reflects a broader concern among European leaders regarding violations of NATO airspace by Russian aircraft or drones. The immediate military objective of the Czech-Polish talks, therefore, is to ensure that both nations are prepared to respond to both current threats and those that may emerge, reinforcing the credibility of deterrence.
A central pillar of the discussions was the development of multilayered air defence and counter-UAS capabilities. Poland is identified as a key partner for the Czech Republic in this domain, offering valuable experience in interconnecting individual air defence systems and integrating them into the broader Allied defence architecture. Both militaries are committed to sharing operational experience from the deployment of these assets and strengthening cooperation among technical experts. The goal is to create systems capable of cooperating effectively to provide reliable coverage as part of NATO’s collective defence. This technical alignment is already manifesting in specific operational activities; notably, a Czech helicopter unit has been deployed to Poland, a contribution that continues through November 2026, to support the security of NATO’s airspace.
The partnership extends beyond airmobile assets to include the integration of lessons learned from active combat zones. Hlaváč emphasized that the combat experience gained by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in real operations is extremely valuable for the further development of the Czech Army’s capabilities. He confirmed that cooperation between the Czech and Ukrainian armies is ongoing and will continue to develop across various levels. According to former Chief of Staff Karel Řehka, this cooperation is already yielding practical results, with Ukrainian specialists training Czech military personnel in the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, while Czech instructors train Ukrainian servicemembers in specific specialties. This reciprocal exchange highlights a strategic shift where the Czech military is institutionalizing the study of Ukrainian combat experience to refine its own readiness.
Logistically and politically, the Czech Republic is positioned as a key node in the security architecture of Central Europe. Being geographically connected to Poland, both countries share a joint responsibility for the defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank. Hlaváč stressed that a state’s readiness is a continuous process, noting that no nation is ever 100% ready. However, he asserted that the Czech Armed Forces are prepared to defend the country with the means they possess, with full determination and responsibility. This stance is supported by a noted improvement in security perception within Czech society over the past five years, where security has become a recognized prerequisite for the functioning and prosperity of a democratic state. The government and military leadership are focused on ensuring the state has a security system capable of withstanding an initial onslaught and subsequently mitigating the consequences of a crisis.
The leadership change in Prague occurred against a backdrop of far-reaching modernisation projects. Under the previous leadership of General Karel Řehka, key modernisation initiatives were initiated, and new NATO capability targets were adopted, making defence a more prominent topic in public debate. Major General Petr Čepelka has simultaneously taken over as the First Deputy Chief of the General Staff, while Brigadier General Petr Tománek has assumed command of the Czech Air Force. These personnel changes signal a consolidated command structure focused on executing the strategic decisions made in recent years. As Hlaváč noted in his inaugural speech, the coming years will be decisive in turning these strategic decisions into concrete operational capabilities.
The implications for regional security are significant. By aligning closely with Poland on air defence and counter-drone technologies, the Czech Republic enhances the interoperability of forces on NATO’s eastern border. The focus on counter-UAS is particularly critical given the widespread use of drones in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which serves as a primary case study for European defence planners. While specific operational details of future joint exercises or procurement contracts remain in the realm of planning, the diplomatic engagement confirms a trajectory toward deeper military integration. The next confirmed development in this trajectory will be the continued deployment of the Czech helicopter unit in Poland through November 2026, serving as a tangible demonstration of the shared responsibility for regional security.
