Motor Jikov shifts from cars to combat: Czech giant enters arms industry

In a surprising turn, Motor Jikov Group, a Czech automotive and foundry giant, is shifting gears from car parts to artillery shell casings. 

The company is currently negotiating with two prominent Czech defense firms, STV Group and Czechoslovak Group, to manufacture these crucial components, according to Bulgarian media.

This pivot comes at a time when the Czech automotive industry faces economic challenges, including global supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs. While the shift marks a significant departure from the company's traditional focus on automotive parts and consumer goods, it also reflects broader changes in Central Europe's industrial landscape. Motor Jikov has already produced and tested initial batches of artillery shell casings, signaling its move into military production.

Founded in 1899, Motor Jikov Group is known for its precision engineering in automotive parts and foundry work. The company operates four subsidiaries and employs around 900 people, generating annual sales of approximately 1.3 billion Czech koruna (around $55 million). With its expertise in materials such as cast iron, the company plans to produce up to 100,000 artillery shell casings annually if its negotiations with defence firms are successful.

The decision to transition to arms production is partly driven by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has increased demand for artillery ammunition. As a key ally of Ukraine, the Czech Republic has positioned itself as an important supplier to NATO and its partners. This shift reflects a broader trend of Czech companies diversifying into defence manufacturing, as they seek stability amidst economic uncertainty.

While the move has the potential to strengthen the Czech Republic’s defence industry, it raises questions about the long-term implications of a militarised economy. With public opinion broadly supportive of Ukraine, concerns about the impact of defence production on local communities and the national identity remain.

By Naila Huseynova