The Czech army does not meet NATO goals and this is unlikely to change soon

The Czech government's newly approved strategy highlights an increasing likelihood of Russian attacks on NATO and EU countries. It reveals that the Czech Republic is lagging in achieving NATO capability goals, with a shortfall of 5-10 years in critical areas. The plan aims to increase military personnel from 26,000 to 32,000 by 2030, enhance air defense, and improve drone countermeasures. However, defense spending will remain at 2% of GDP until 2029, contrasting with other NATO countries boosting their budgets in response to Russian aggression. The strategy also prioritizes purchasing F-35 jets and Leopard tanks, which may hinder other defense projects. Criticism has arisen from President Petr Pavel regarding the strategy's effectiveness in meeting essential defense objectives.