Czech army to purchase 4.5 bln USD equipment by 2027.

The Czech army plans to spend over 100 billion crowns (about 4.5 billion USD) on equipment purchase by 2027, said Czech Chief-of-Staff Ales Opata on 18 June. According to Opata, the purchase will help the military to respond to current and future threats. More than 100 purchase and upgrading projects will be completed within the next 10 years. The new equipment includes CASA transport aircraft, multipurpose helicopters, mobile and airbase radars, armoured vehicles, an anti-aircraft system and combat drones.

Czech T-72M4. The T-72 tanks will be further upgraded. By 2025, the military commanders will have to decide whether the Russian tanks would be replaced by new equipment or not. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The most expensive purchase will be the plan to buy 210 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, for an estimated price of 53 billion crowns (about 2.4 billion USD). No more details on the potential competitors were provided. The military also plans to buy 52 howitzers of 155mm caliber. Jaromir Alan, head of the Defence Ministry acquisition planning section, said new short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems will replace the current Russian equipment.

The T-72 tank will also be further upgraded. According to Opata, the weapon system would be improved. By 2025, the military commanders will have to decide whether the Russian tanks would be replaced by new equipment or not.

Another important modernization project is the purchase of 12 multipurpose helicopters that will provide firing support for ground forces and transport goods and wounded persons. They will replace the old Russian-made Mi-24 Hind combat helicopters. Czech air force commander Petr Hromek said the army would like to receive two new CASA transport planes which will replace the old Jak-40 aircrafts after 2020. The JAS-39 Gripen fighters will be upgraded to improve strike capabilities.