A European partnership is moving beyond military aid, with new plans that could reshape how both countries build and protect critical technologies.
Ukraine and the Czech Republic plan to deepen their defense partnership in the production of unmanned systems, the development of interception capabilities, cybersecurity, and the implementation of joint initiatives under the SAFE mechanism. These areas of cooperation were discussed by Serhii Naumenko, First Deputy Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, and Pavel Fischer, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security of the Senate of the Czech Republic.
This is reported by the press service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
The NSDC press service noted that the Czech Republic is one of Ukraine’s key partners: since February 2022, the country has provided more than $3 billion in military assistance. The Ukrainian side also emphasized the importance of continued political support for the Czech initiative to supply artillery ammunition.
Joint Drone Production and SAFE Projects
The parties reviewed prospects for cooperation between the defense companies of the two countries. Priorities include the joint production of drones, interceptors, and other forms of cooperation between the defense industries of Ukraine and the Czech Republic.
Special attention was given to the Czech Republic’s possible participation in the Drone Deal initiative. Ukraine’s experience in using unmanned technologies and technical solutions developed under wartime conditions could form the basis for new bilateral projects.
Energy Security, Reconstruction, and Cybersecurity
Ahead of the winter season, the meeting participants discussed the protection and restoration of Ukraine’s energy system. The Czech Republic has already provided assistance in this area, and Ukraine expects this support to continue.
The discussion also covered the country’s reconstruction and the involvement of Czech businesses in the process. The Ukrainian side considers it important to move from emergency assistance to a long-term partnership that combines funding, investment, modern technologies, and the capabilities of private companies.
In the field of cybersecurity, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center under the NSDC and the Czech National Cyber and Information Security Agency have prepared a memorandum of understanding for signing.
For Ukraine, it is important that our partnership develops through concrete joint projects – the Drone Deal, joint defense industry ventures, the SAFE mechanism, and cooperation in the energy sector. I am grateful to the Czech Republic for its consistent support and expect that our cooperation will continue to deliver results in strengthening our shared security.
– Serhii Naumenko
The Czech government supports companies working with Ukraine and views the Ukrainian market as promising for the development of economic and technological cooperation. Expanding defense cooperation, energy projects, and digital protection is expected to strengthen the security of both countries.