The 16th edition of the Future Forces Exhibition & Forum, which focuses on security and defence, opened yesterday. Until Friday, both professionals and the general public have the opportunity to view presentations of various military equipment, systems, armaments, and accessories in several halls of the PVA EXPO complex in Prague. The event also includes a number of engaging professional conferences on current military and security topics.

Video: Interviews from Day 1 of Future Forces Exhibition & Forum / CZ DEFENCE

The first day of the Future Forces Forum was attended by several prominent figures, including the President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, who, during the event's opening, noted that the world is currently facing multiple security challenges, referencing the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. President Pavel told our editors that the Future Forces Forum provides an opportunity for professionals and the public alike to learn about the development of military technologies that can enhance their security. "It is an opportunity for military professionals to realize the strength of collaboration. Here, we see numerous opportunities not only for our defence industry but for the whole country to establish valuable contracts. When we negotiate and cooperate with one another, the potential for conflict is much lower," added Petr Pavel.

Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army, Gen. Karel Řehka, pointed out in his speech that as the world rapidly changes and technology evolves, the army is also facing entirely new challenges. He emphasized that cooperation at both the national and international levels is essential.

Letňany was also visited by Minister of Defence Jana Černochová, who viewed the product portfolios of several Czech companies (e.g., Czechoslovak Group, PBS Velká Bíteš) as well as foreign exhibitors, including Ukrainian ones. The Minister highlighted the importance of Czech-Ukrainian cooperation, particularly regarding the relocation of part of the production from Ukraine to the Czech Republic. She also emphasized that the Czech Republic should aim to produce as many products and technologies as possible domestically through both state and private enterprises.

In addition to the President of the Republic and the Minister of Defence, we also spoke with the Chief Director of the Armaments and Acquisitions Section of the Ministry of Defence, Lubor Koudelka, the Chairman of the Defence Committee, Lubomír Metnar, the former Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, Jiří Šedivý, and the Executive Director of the Centre for Security Studies at CEVRO, František Mičánek. The most interesting observations can be seen in the video at the beginning of this article.

In total, more than 320 exhibitors from 35 countries will present their products at the Prague Exhibition Centre from 16 to 18 October. Countries such as Denmark, France, India, Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine are represented. The Czech Ministry of Defence and the Army of the Czech Republic are also participating in the Future Forces Forum.

Among the exhibits are systems such as the passive surveillance system DPET, the mobile communication jammer STARKOM, the TITUS MKPP armored vehicle (fire support coordination center), the MADR radar system and many others. Overall, the Czech Army is represented at more than 20 exhibition stands.

We will bring you more interesting events and interviews from Day 2 of the Future Forces Exhibition & Forum soon.