Czech Ministry of Defence faces scrutiny over drone procurement

Investigations have revealed suspicious circumstances regarding a drone procurement contract by the Czech Ministry of Defence under the leadership of Jana Černochová. In late 2023, the ministry sought 10 specialized drones from the United States for Military Police pyrotechnicians.

Rather than conducting a standard competitive tender, the ministry opted for a direct contract, claiming the system was so unique that no other provider in the Czech Republic could supply it. The contract, valued at approximately 30 million CZK, was awarded to a Prague-based limited liability company. Following the signing in December 2023, the ministry paid an advance of 17.6 million CZK without requiring any bank guarantees, effectively relying solely on the company's trust.

Further complications arose as the deal involved two affiliated companies owned by the same individual, with contracts and obligations being shifted between them. The lack of standard financial safeguards and the non-competitive nature of the deal have raised serious suspicions of corruption.