Czech military drone and combat technology testing

The Czech military is conducting the Drone Shield 2026 exercise, a large-scale technological testing event involving over 1,000 participants, including NATO representatives and observers from the USA, Slovakia, and Latvia. The exercise focuses on evaluating unmanned systems, ground robotic platforms, and anti-drone technologies to inform future procurement processes.

Testing includes ‘Last Mile’ drone technology capable of autonomous target strikes using optical guidance to bypass electronic jamming of GPS and communication lines. The defense testing covers a broad spectrum, from passive protection like thermal camouflage to active detection via radar, radio-frequency, and acoustic sensors. The event features participation from numerous international companies, including Ukrainian firms with direct combat experience.

In addition to drone-related testing, the Military Academy in Vyškov is conducting advanced combat medicine training. This program utilizes Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) principles to prepare soldiers for life-saving care under extreme conditions, adhering to international standards certified by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).