Czech army plans to expand drone fleet to around 3,000 by 2028

The Czech armed forces plan to acquire approximately 3,000 drones by 2028, according to Defence Minister Jaromír Zuna.

Speaking during international communications forces exercises in Bechyně, Zuna said the country is currently implementing five government contracts for drone deliveries to the military. He added that unmanned systems are becoming an increasingly important part of modern warfare, Caliber.Az reports per Czech media. 

The minister also pointed to a 2025 NATO report, which he said ranked the Czech Republic among the leading member states in terms of military modernisation.

“The defence industry has long sought to replace human labour with capital. This means replacing soldiers on the battlefield with technology,” Zuna said.

The Czech armed forces already operate the 533rd Unmanned Systems Battalion based in Prostějov, while drones are also in use across other military units.

By Sabina Mammadli