Czech Republic Seeks Stronger Defense Ties with South Korea Amid Global Security Concerns

The Czech Republic extended an invitation to Korean defense companies to strengthen cooperation during the ROK-Czech Joint Committee meeting on Defense Industry and Logistics held on July 9.

ROK is the acronym for South Korea’s official name, the Republic of Korea.

During the meeting, Czech and Korean defense firms shared their technological expertise and explored mutual opportunities for collaboration.

Czech Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jancarek emphasized the need for strategic defense partnerships in light of global security challenges, referencing the recent 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague. At the summit, member nations pledged to allocate 3.5 percent of their gross domestic product to defense and 1.5 percent to economic and infrastructure resilience.

According to the ambassador, the Czech Republic plans to substantially increase its defense budget to meet these targets.

“By 2030, Czechia aims to invest up to $15 billion in defense, with projections reaching $23-25 billion by 2035,” he stated. Czechia is the preferred country name used by the Czech government.

“Considering that at least 20-25 percent should be directed towards weapons investments, Czechia is expected to spend $30-35 billion on new equipment over the next decade,” Jancarek explained.

He highlighted a new NATO-Czech working group focused on military-industrial cooperation, addressing areas such as air defense, drone protection, mechanized units, and ammunition production. Czech companies are offering joint project opportunities in these sectors, drawing from their battlefield experience in Ukraine.

“We warmly welcome the participation of Korean companies,” he emphasized.

“The strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea has already had negative implications for security in both Europe and the Korean Peninsula,” Jancarek noted.
DPRK stands for North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Despite UN sanctions, North Korea’s military capabilities have advanced with Russian assistance, Jancarek pointed out, underscoring the need for enhanced Czech-Korean dialogue and cooperation.

The ambassador also cautioned against any form of support for Russia, stating, “Any actions that weaken Russia’s international isolation, violate sanctions, or attempt to return to ‘business as usual’ undermine the interests of European allies and negatively impact the situation on the Korean Peninsula.”

As the Czech Republic marks 35 years of diplomatic ties and a decade of strategic partnership with South Korea, it views the country as a key energy ally, particularly through the Dukovany nuclear project.

Jancarek stressed that the outcome of the war in Ukraine is crucial for both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, warning of severe consequences if Russia gains control. He also commended South Korea’s support for Ukraine.

“We’re beginning to see promising signs of collaboration, including joint efforts in ammunition manufacturing, the development of drone jammers for tanks, and the production of pistols for the Korean military,” he added.

The committee meeting was co-chaired by Czech Director General Radka Konderlova from the Czech Ministry of Defense and Director General Tae Kon-kim from South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

Czech firms participating in the event included TGS, Colt CZ Group, Excalibur Army, URC Systems, and PBS. Korean participants comprised Korea Defense Industry Corp., SNT Dynamics, SNT Motiv, Kia, DI Optical, WooriByul, Uconsystem, Arion Communication, and Korea Aerospace Industries.