The Future Forces Exhibition & Forum (FFF), a three-day event focusing on security and defense, recently concluded. Today, the need to counter current and future threats quickly and effectively is more pressing than ever.

Video: Presentation of Czech companies at Future Forces Forum 2024: Proven systems and completely innovative solutions / CZ DEFENCE

This year, over 320 exhibitors from around the world gathered at the Prague PVA EXPO Exhibition Center, with Czech defense industry representatives prominently present. Czechoslovak Group (CSG), the event’s general partner, had the largest presentation at the 2024 Future Forces Forum.

Excalibur Army showcased the new Hector system on a Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series chassis, equipped with the Guardian 1.5 remotely controlled observation and weapon station, featuring high-end optoelectronic sensors and a 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine gun.

Another exhibit was the Patriot 4x4 armored vehicle, boasting high ballistic and mine resistance. Due to its modular design, it is ideal for reconnaissance, patrol, and combat missions. In front of the main entrance, visitors could view the Morana self-propelled wheeled howitzer on a Tatra 8x8 chassis, armed with a 155 mm caliber gun in an armored swivel turret with a barrel length of 52 calibers.

The exhibition also displayed Tatra military vehicles, including the latest third-generation Tatra Force 6x6. Visitors showed interest in the TITUS 6x6 armored vehicle, which is also part of the Czech Army’s armament. CSG’s portfolio included the ReGuard multi-purpose 3D radar from Retia, designed to detect and track ground and low-flying targets and capable of integration into the ReCas comprehensive anti-drone system.

MSM Group exhibited various types of tank ammunition of 120 mm and 105 mm calibre and artillery ammunition of 155 mm NATO calibre. 

Other notable Czech exhibitors included Aero Vodochody, which officially announced the name of the L-39NG aircraft: Skyfox. This modern aircraft, suitable for pilot training, light combat, and reconnaissance missions, was recently chosen by the Czech Army for training purposes. The L-39NG will be used by LOM PRAHA, through its subsidiary CLV Pardubice, for basic and advanced pilot training, where trainees will learn jet combat mission principles.

PBS Group also had a display at the FFF, showcasing its PBS TJ40, TJ80-120, and TJ150 jet engines for defense applications. PBS’s quality is underscored by memoranda of understanding signed with industry giants Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney last year. PBS is set to contribute to the F-35 program with Lockheed Martin, while Pratt & Whitney has selected them as a partner for developing the next-generation APU (auxiliary power unit) for sixth-generation aircraft.

Other major Czech companies such as Ray Service, Meopta and Quittner & Schimek also presented their products at the Future Forces Forum.

In addition to the already established Czech companies, this year's exhibition also featured a large number of smaller and start-up companies, which impressed especially with their portfolio of innovative and often unique solutions.

Czech commercial companies are fully aware of the importance of the current deteriorated security situation and the related changing need for higher and more effective protection, which was reflected at the exhibition in the form of very interesting products.

State-owned enterprises under the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic also attracted attention. LOM PRAHA's stand featured the Enstrom En-480 helicopter, while VOP CZ introduced its TAROS PYRO Explorer, an autonomous vehicle designed for explosive ordnance disposal in high-risk areas, with capabilities for X-ray detection of dangerous objects. The Military Technical Institute (VTU) presented the Light European Vehicle (LEV) Sabre from Arquus, a project in which VTU participated.

Radka Konderlová, Senior Director of the Industrial Cooperation Section, commented on the scope and quality of this year’s event, expressing surprise at the substantial growth of the Future Forces Forum over the past two years. "Thumbs up for the organizers. We have here the biggest companies of the Czech arms industry, as well as several national stands, including Denmark, India, France, and, of course, Ukraine," she told our editorial team.