Jakub Landovský, Senior Director of the Defence Policy and Strategy Division at the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, explains why the country’s defence cannot be reduced to the armed forces alone and how security investment can support resilience, innovation, and economic growth.
How can we ensure that meeting NATO standards in 2026 also provides effective support and opportunities for Czech defence firms during the military’s modernisation?
The current security environment is becoming increasingly complex and less predictable. Traditional military threats are intertwined with hybrid operations, disinformation, and cyberattacks, and it is therefore clear that the Czech Republic’s defence cannot be ensured solely by the Czech Armed Forces, however much they remain its key pillar. Crisis situations affect every level of society, requiring a unified, synchronised effort from government institutions, private enterprises, and the general public.
At the same time, the current geopolitical landscape favours those who are prepared and can serve as a powerful driver for economic growth. With the EU set to allocate EUR 130 billion toward defence in its next budget, the scope extends far beyond traditional military equipment such as tanks or aircraft. Focus will be placed on less obvious but vital areas, including the resilience of critical energy, transport, and healthcare infrastructure, as well as the research and innovation necessary to maintain a technological lead.
In today’s volatile markets, the ability to adapt quickly is essential; therefore, preparing for crisis scenarios has become a prerequisite for long-term corporate success. While the government naturally views security as a top priority, achieving it now requires much closer cooperation and active participation from all institutions, businesses, and citizens.
