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MoU on Cooperation in field of armaments between the Czech Republic and Estonia signed

Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic

21.8.2023
Author: Ondřej Šamonil

On Tuesday, 16th of August, the Director General of the Armaments and Acquisitions Division, Lubor Koudelka, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in field of armaments (MoU) with his counterpart, the Director of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI), Magnus Valdemar Saar. This was done on the occasion of a bilateral meeting taking place during an official visit of the ECDI delegation to the Czech Republic.

The topics of the meeting, apart from the signature of the MoU, included, for example, a discussion on increased acquisition budgets, a detailed presentation of the flexible functioning of the ECDI, including the legislative framework, and exchange of views on already discussed proposals for joint armament projects between the Army of the Czech Republic and the Estonian Defence Forces. Natural topic permeating the whole meeting was the impact of war in Ukraine.

Part of the agenda was also taken by Estonian and Czech briefs on upcoming major military armament programmes, both countries for example exchanged with each other valuable experience regarding the acquisition and operation of CV-90 IFV, which Estonian Defence forces have already fielded. The delegations also held a discussion on potential joint acquisition of the Czech-made BREN assault rifles.

Director Saar assessed the signing of the MoU and the whole visit positively. As he emphasized several times, ECDI, from its position as a smaller state, is trying to maximize cooperation in acquisitions with other states and has considerable experience in joint acquisitions as a result. He also highlighted the capabilities and capacity of the Czech defence industry, which in his view adds value to the Memorandum. Mr. Saar encouraged Czech companies to participate in ECDI procurement projects and hopes to see more Czech companies in the national defence supply chain from the Czech Republic.

"I am extremely pleased that the signature and meeting took place. Although it is a symbolic document, it opens the door for further cooperation and possible joint armament projects. The Baltic region is growing in importance every day with the Russian aggression in Ukraine and it is good that the Czech Republic is trying to deepen relations with this strategic region," commented on the signing Director General Koudelka.

The visit resulted, among other things, into agreement for deeper sharing of acquisition plans between the two countries and aim to further develop already proposed joint acquisition projects. The next phase of the tasks will be undertaken by experts from both the Czech and Estonian sides.