Andrej Babiš

Dear guests,

Security can no longer be taken for granted. Recent years have reminded us that peace, freedom and prosperity also depend on our ability to protect our own country and its citizens and to meet our commitments to our allies. Ensuring security and strengthening the defence capabilities of the Czech Republic is therefore one of the key priorities of our government.

We are modernising the Czech Armed Forces and our security forces, strengthening their budgets, increasing their readiness, and investing in people, technology and infrastructure. But security is not simply a matter of numbers or purchasing new equipment. We must be able to respond rapidly to new threats, adapt to changes in the security environment and make effective use of the most advanced technologies.

Drones and autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber defence, electronic warfare, air and counter-drone defence, and the use of space are no longer matters for the future. They are the reality of today. Current conflicts demonstrate how rapidly the way wars are fought is changing and how important it is not only to acquire new technologies, but also to develop and produce them and to know how to use them effectively.

In this respect, the Czech Republic has a significant advantage. We have a strong industrial tradition, advanced engineering capabilities, capable companies, research institutions, universities and, above all, people with the necessary know-how. The Czech defence and security industry is therefore a strategic partner for the state. Its development strengthens our defence capabilities, research and innovation, creates highly skilled jobs and reinforces our technological sovereignty.

We want the modernisation of the Czech Armed Forces and security forces to rely, to the greatest extent possible, on our domestic industrial base, while ensuring that Czech companies are also successful in international markets. Every success they achieve strengthens not only our economy, but also our security and the position of the Czech Republic as a reliable ally.

I therefore see Future Forces Forum as an important platform for exchanging experience, developing new partnerships and, above all, finding concrete solutions for the security of the Czech Republic and our allies. It provides a unique opportunity to bring together government actors, the armed forces, security services, industry, science and research. This cooperation is essential if we want to be prepared not only for today’s threats, but also for those that may come in the future.