Czech commercial military supplies to Ukraine surpass CZK 110 billion

The value of licenses issued for Czech-made commercial military equipment supplies to war-torn Ukraine stands at approximately CZK 117 billion, with manufacturing projects that are underway totaling around CZK 51.2 billion, Defence Minister Jana Černochová said in a press briefing today.

"This is a significant boost for our defense industry and economy. It will undoubtedly be reflected in our economic indicators," the minister emphasized.

She affirmed that the government's policy is committed to facilitating license issuance without creating unnecessary obstacles. Since February 2022, the Czech Republic has delivered military equipment worth CZK 6.2 billion to Ukraine, including attack helicopters, tanks, and infantry fighting vehicles, Černochová said.

In terms of total financial aid, Czechia has sent Ukraine over CZK 40 billion since February last year.

However, she clarified that the army's existing stock no longer contains suitable material for further shipments to Ukraine. Therefore, the country needs to build new equipment.

The donations, which include aviation equipment, dozens of tanks, combat vehicles, rocket launchers, small firearms, and ammunition, have acquisition dates ranging from the late 1950s to this year.

Czechia's defense minister also underscored a memorandum of understanding signed between Czechia and the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industry, fostering closer cooperation on military supply. Additionally, she discussed collaborations with countries like Denmark and the Netherlands for the urgent supply of equipment and ammunition from Czech defense industry sources.

Černochová also noted that the Czech Republic has trained around 4,000 Ukrainian soldiers within the European Union Military Assistance Mission initiated during Czechia's presidency of the Council of the EU last year.

"This assistance paves the way for the Czech Republic's future involvement in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction," Černochová remarked.