Czech defence ministry raises annual recruitment target to 3,000 soldiers

The Czech armed forces reported that it recruited 1,400 soldiers in the first five months of the year, with an operational goal of 1,800 regulars and 450 active reservists annually. The force currently comprises about 25,000 professional personnel and 5,500 reservists. Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna said the ministry will adopt organisational and budgetary measures to accommodate all applicants, citing expanded training capacity at the Military Academy in Vyškov.

The original recruitment plan for the 2040 defence concept aimed at 2,600 professional soldiers and 1,000 reservists each year, but Prime Minister Andrej Babiš urged higher numbers. Following his pressure, the target was lifted to roughly 3,000 professional soldiers annually. Babiš also called for a minimum of 2,000 recruits per year and a review of why soldiers leave the service.

Separately, Zůna indicated that the president’s participation in the upcoming NATO summit is not currently expected, with the government likely sending the prime minister, defence minister and foreign minister instead. President Petr Pavel has signalled his intent to attend and warned of legal action if excluded.