Czech State Security Council reviews new army development plan up to 2040

In a summer session, the Czech State Security Council evaluated a new Army Concept that will set the direction of the armed forces until 2040, updating the previous strategy that projected to 2035 under former Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The document emphasizes preparation for a long-term clash with a high-tech opponent, making rearmament and the enlistment of new personnel central themes. President Petr Pavel, while not a council member, is legally allowed to join the discussions and exercised this right at the July meeting, which also covered cyber security and the country's readiness for extraordinary situations.

The council’s permanent roster includes Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and ministers Karel Havlíček, Alena Schillerová, Jeroným Tejc, Lubomír Metnar, Jaromír Zůna, Petr Macinka and Ivan Bednárik. Directors of the intelligence services, the police president and the chief of the General Staff typically attend as well.