The Czech government has approved a plan to increase defense spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030, up from the current 2 percent.
The measure includes a gradual annual increase of 0.2 percent starting in 2026.
Additional funds will strengthen land forces, air and missile defense, command and control systems, and logistics.
Resources will also support ammunition stock replenishment and infrastructure modernization.
“It turns out that the alliance commitment to spend 2 percent of GDP on the country’s defense is simply not enough,” stated Defense Minister Jana Černochová.
“The security situation in Europe continues to deteriorate and it cannot realistically be expected that it will improve in the foreseeable future,” she added.
Moreover, the Czech government added that some units of the Czech Armed Forces still operate Soviet-era military equipment, which no longer meets modern combat requirements.
To address this, the military is moving forward with “the most extensive modernization in its history.”
EU Increasing Defense Spending
Several European countries have planned to increase their defense spending, aiming to exceed NATO’s target of 2 percent of GDP.
Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a five-part plan to boost defense funding, mobilizing 800 billion euros ($841 billion).
The “ReArm Europe” initiative seeks to strengthen Europe’s security and provide immediate military support to Ukraine following the suspension of aid by the US.
The plan includes a proposal for 150 billion euros ($158 billion) in loans to help EU member states invest in defense.
In February, Denmark announced a $7-billion defense investment, aiming to exceed 3 percent of GDP by 2027.
In January, Lithuania set an even higher target, planning to allocate 5 to 6 percent of GDP annually from 2026 to 2030.
