The defense industry of the Czech Republic is interested in supporting Ukraine because it is beneficial for itself. This was stated by Martina Tauberova, Vice President for International Relations and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at the Aerospace Industry Association.
“The Czech defense industry is definitely interested in continuing to support Ukraine, as is Czech society. If you look at how much Czech citizens donate to Ukraine, it is clear that there is strong support and a desire to continue helping Ukraine,” Tauberova said, adding that the same could be said about the Czech defense industry.
According to her, Czech weapons manufacturers’ products have already been tested on the battlefield in Ukraine. This is important for the development of technology, and this potential must be developed.
Tauberova did not specify the number of Czech companies involved in cooperation with Ukraine, noting only that there were quite a few. Some of them are actively involved in the “shell initiative,” i.e., they are engaged in the search for and supply of ammunition. At the same time, a number of technology companies that develop unmanned systems, electronic warfare systems, and countermeasures against drones are key partners of the Armed Forces of Ukraine directly on the battlefield.
According to her, a number of Czech companies supply products to Ukraine under various programs – partly financed by the Czech government (in the past), as well as by the governments of European countries. Manufacturers hope and expect that support will continue both through cooperation with Czech institutions and through the use of European financial resources.
Tauberova expressed hope that Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis would reconsider his position on financing the “shell initiative” and on the government providing guarantees for European Union loans aimed at helping Ukraine in the field of armaments. (Ukrinform)