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The current security context in Eastern Europe has prompted the Czech Republic to undergo a staggering US$ 4.5 billion modernisation programme of its armed forces. The key focus areas for its Air Force encompass the upgrade and procurement of transport aircraft and combat drones, and the improvement of its fighter jets’ communications systems, in order to enhance their interoperability with NATO Air Forces.

Ahead of Air Power Eastern Europe 2019, Defence IQ delved into its Air Force modernisation programme, as it accounts for 20% of the Czech Republic defence spending, one of the largest in the area. In this article, Colonel Jan Susekar, Director, Future Development Office, Czech MOD, in charge of the planning of future Air Force capabilities shares his insights on the priorities of the Air Force and the main challenges they are encountering. 

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Benefits of downloading the article:

• Know the top modernisation priorities of the Czech Air Force, who will be attending Air Power Eastern Europe 2019
• Learn more about acquisition and upgrade programmes that will help the Czech Air Force revamp their air power capabilities 

The Czech Republic will be represented by Colonel Jaroslav Mika, Deputy Base Commander, Caslacv Tactical Air Base at Air Power Eastern Europe 2019, where he will talk about cyber resilience of key onboard systems and C2 infrastructure. The conference, officially supported by the Austrian Air Force, will feature on its speaker panel representatives from Ukraine, the UK, Bulgaria, Poland, NATO Air Command, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the US, Sweden and Latvia. You can download the full agenda here.

The themes covered in this article will be the key focus of Air Power Eastern Europe 2019, as Eastern European nations will gather to discuss the development of future warfare and logistics capabilities to ensure collective regional security through effective air dominance in the multi-domain environment.

Did you know 52.9% of European Air Forces currently have a critical need for pilot training? Ahead of this year’s Air Power Eastern Europe conference, Defence IQ surveyed experts from European Air Forces, consultancies, Ministries of Defence and Industry on what they need to overcome pilot training challenges.

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In this survey, the respondents answer the following questions:

• How would you best describe your current requirements for pilot training?
• Indicate on a scale of 1-10 (1 – no effect, 10 – critical negative effect) each of the following influences on your current pilot training production
• Have you ever experienced pilot shortage?
• Has your service ever outsourced pilot training?
• Why did you outsource pilot training?
• In your opinion, what are the biggest risk factors associated with outsourcing pilot training?

In downloading the survey results, you will:

• Get a better understanding of the main challenges in pilot training air forces are currently facing
• Learn more about what key factors have the most influence over pilot training 
• Know more about the opportunities and hurdles associated with outsourced training

This year’s Air Power Eastern Europe will feature presentations from:

• Colonel Wojciech Pikula, Commander, 4th Air Training Wing, Polish Air Force
• Major Michael Rosenqvist, Head of Flight Safety & MFTS Project Manager, Swedish Air Force
• Tactical Branch, Combat Training Department, Czech Air Force 

To view the full speaker list and agenda sessions, you can download the agenda of the conference here. If you would prefer a copy to be directly sent to your inbox, please click here. 

Eastern European countries are looking to revamp their air capabilities in light of the changing security context and the re-emergence of near-peer adversaries in the region. Ahead of this edition of the Air Power Eastern Europe conference, officially supported by the Austrian Air Force, Defence IQ compiled a map outlining ongoing programmes and key requirements from countries in the region.

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Key benefits of downloading the map:

• Know top acquisition and upgrade priorities from countries that will be present at Air Power Eastern Europe
• Develop business strategies by meeting the right people from countries having active programmes and key requirements at Air Power Eastern Europe
• Gain insights into investment trends from your peers

Download the map to learn more about the following programmes from countries that will be present at this year’s Air Power Eastern Europe, such as:

• Czech Republic – acquisition of tactical combat drones to undergo ISR and close air support missions, procurement of two transport aircraft and the upgrade of the Air Force’s JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft
• Bulgaria – acquisition of 16 F-16 Block II combat aircraft from the US
• Latvia – plans to procure a medium-range GBADS to enhance its existing air defence capabilities
• Poland – start of the US$48.9 billion Technical Modernisation Plan that will feature the following acquisition programmes: HARPIA, NAREW, CYBER.MIL, WISŁA, GRYF, WAŻKA and FLAME
• Sweden – sustainment of six fighter squadrons that operate the Gripen C/D fleet through 2025, the replacement of the JAS 39C Gripen towards the end of the 2030s, the acquisition of new ground- and air-based sensors after 2025 and the replacement of the C-130Hs towards the end of the 2020s

Air Power Eastern Europe will gather the region’s military leaders and industry leading companies to discuss the adequate preparation of current and future air assets to defend against the threat context of potential hybrid warfare and peer-engagement across a multi-domain environment. To view the full agenda of the conference, please click here. 

In an effort to meet NATO requirements and deter Russian aggression, Eastern European Air Forces are embarking on extensive modernisation projects. Download our exclusive map of the region to see updates on various nations' military flight training aircraft and programmes.

Defence IQ spoke exclusively to Colonel Rejman, Deputy Commander 21st Air Force Base, Czech Air Force about the key priorities and challenges being faced in regard to both live and simulation flight training in the Czech Republic.