Rank #34 · Europe
The Czech Republic reached approximately 2% of GDP in 2025 defense spending ($7.1B) as it executes NATO's largest per-capita ammunition initiative for Ukraine and pursues parallel procurements of 24 F-35A fighters and up to 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks. Despite political turbulence under PM Babiš's coalition, which passed a 2026 budget at only 1.7% of GDP, Prague remains the driving force behind a multinational shell-procurement scheme that delivered 1.8 million rounds to Ukraine in 2025 alone.
The Czech MoD's 2025 budget was set at CZK 160.8 billion (~$7.6B), representing 2% of nominal GDP — the first time the Czech Republic met the NATO threshold. However, PM Andrej Babiš's government, which took office after October 2025 elections, pushed through a 2026 budget at CZK 155 billion (~$7.4B), officially 1.7% of GDP, drawing criticism from President Pavel and NATO allies. The MoD's stated investment roadmap calls for 2.2% in 2026 rising 0.2 percentage points annually through 2030, when 3% is targeted. Capital spending (procurement and R&D) comprises nearly 50% of the 2025 MoD budget, the highest ratio in a decade.
The Czech Armed Forces number roughly 30,000 professionals with a 4,900-strong active reserve. The Army operates Leopard 2A4 tanks (supplemented by 14 additional units ordered in 2024) pending delivery of the Leopard 2A8 tranche; BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicles; and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers (12 delivered 2022-2024). The Air Force flies JAS-39C/D Gripens on a lease that expires around 2027, bridging to the 24 F-35A purchase; delivery runs from 2029 to 2034, with full operational capability by 2035. The Czech Republic also operates a cyber-defense agency integrated into NATO's CYOC framework.
Czechoslovakia was a major Cold War arms exporter; the Czech successor state retains a significant industrial base. Excalibur Army (now part of Czechoslovak Group — CSG) produces armored vehicles and has supplied Slovakia and Ukraine. CSG coordinates the Ukrainian ammunition initiative's third-party procurement. Tatra supplies high-mobility trucks to NATO members. LOM Praha handles aviation MRO. Czech defense exports reached approximately €2B in 2024, with Ukraine being the largest destination. Domestically, the government aims to use F-35 and Leopard offset agreements to expand aerospace and armor manufacturing capacity.
The Czech Republic has no active military conflicts but is deeply engaged in supporting Ukraine. As of December 2025, the Czech-led multinational ammunition initiative had delivered 1.8 million large-caliber artillery shells in 2025 (on top of 1.5 million in 2024). New Defense Minister confirmed in early 2026 that the initiative will continue, with partner nations already funding 760,000 rounds for 2026 delivery. Czech Republic shares no border with Russia or Belarus but views the Ukraine war as an existential challenge to European security. Prague also contributes to NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltic states.
The Czech Republic signed a letter of intent for 24 F-35As at the 2023 Paris Air Show; the full government-to-government agreement was formalized in 2024, with first deliveries from 2029. In September 2025, the government approved the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany at over CZK 34 billion (deliveries 2028-2031), with an option for up to 77 total. In December 2025, the Czech ammunition initiative completed delivery of its 1.8 million-round 2025 commitment to Ukraine. The Babiš government's 2026 budget at 1.7% of GDP was passed in March 2026 over objections from NATO partners. Czech F-35 deliveries are confirmed to begin in 2029 with FOC by 2035.
Launched in February 2024 by President Pavel at Munich, the initiative procures artillery shells from non-EU third countries and delivers them to Ukraine using pooled funding from partner nations. In 2025, the Czech Republic coordinated the delivery of 1.8 million rounds. The program circumvents EU legal restrictions on non-EU sourcing and will continue in 2026 with 760,000 rounds already funded.
24 F-35A Lightning IIs for the 211th and 212th Tactical Squadrons at Čáslav air base. The first six aircraft are to be delivered in 2029, with full delivery by 2034 and full operational capability in 2035. They replace the leased JAS-39C/D Gripens.
Barely. 2025 expenditure hit 2% for the first time, but the 2026 budget passed under PM Babiš allocates only 1.7% (CZK 155B, ~$7.4B). The government's stated plan calls for 2.2% in 2026 rising to 3% by 2030, but the enacted 2026 figure falls short of even the NATO minimum.
Currently Leopard 2A4s (about 30 operational, with 14 additional 2A4 units ordered in 2024). The government approved 44 Leopard 2A8s from Germany in September 2025 (deliveries 2028-2031), with a framework for up to 77 total — enough to equip two armored brigades.