Czech Prime Minister Babiš Criticizes 2040 Army Plan, Calls for Faster Recruitment and 2% GDP Defense Spending

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the Czech government is unlikely to meet NATO’s 2 % of GDP defense‑spending target this year and will raise the issue at the NATO summit in Ankara. He expressed dissatisfaction with the draft "Concept for Building the Czech Army up to 2040", criticizing the slow pace of troop recruitment and demanding a minimum intake of 2,000 soldiers annually, along with a detailed analysis of why personnel leave the service.

Babiš also pushed for accelerating the expansion of air and missile defence, noting the acquisition of Israel’s SPYDER system – two batteries already delivered and two more expected – and urging the purchase of four additional SPYDER systems. He called for the return to building service housing for soldiers, police, firefighters and nurses, and requested further information on long‑delayed projects such as the Karlovy Vary airport, air‑rescue services and artillery systems.

The defence minister, Jaromír Zůna, said the concept will be revised after discussion with the prime minister and will undergo standard comment procedures before being submitted to the State Security Council for approval in June.