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Minister Černochová in Toledo: Czech Republic to deliver additional Hinds to Ukraine

Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic

Author: Editorial staff (ob)
1.9.2023

The city of Toledo, Spain, was the venue to an informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council - Defence organised by the Spanish Presidency. The agenda included further support to Ukraine, global impact of the Russian aggression and the security situation in Africa and in the Western Balkans.

During the EU Defence Ministerial, Minister Jana Černochová also had a bilateral meeting with Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson to discuss the operation of JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets operated by the Czech Air Force and expanding assistance to Ukraine. With her Italian counterpart, Minister Guido Crosetto, she signed the Letter of Intent, which expands opportunities for strengthening cooperation between the Czech Republic and Italy relative to the F-35 fighter jets, both in the domain of defence and Czech industries, pending the Czech Government's endorsement of the acquisition.

Committed to supporting Ukraine

From the outset of the conflict, the Czech Republic has ranked among prominent supporters of Ukraine and seeks to carry on. That is also reflected in the recently signed agreements on development, maintenance, repairs and overhauls of weapons, as well as upgrades of military equipment.

Training assistance is also substantial. By the end of 2023, the Czech Republic will have trained as many as 4,000 service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine within the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), specifically specialist and units up to battalion level. The Czech Armed Forces has also assigned mobile training teams in Poland. "We are planning to continue the training through 2024 and to expand the capacity of our mobile training teams," Minister Černochová commented.

Helicopters and pilot training

According to the Minister, the key security assurances for Ukraine include, besides training, sustained supplies of weapons and support to the country's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. The Czech Republic continues to supply heavy and air defence equipment: "We are currently planning to provide additional combat helicopters and we explore ways to help train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16, or other aircraft," Minister Černochová admitted.

EPF and bilateral assistance must not compete

EU Defence Ministers also discussed further financing through the European Peace Facility (EPF). The EPF was established two years ago as an extra-budgetary instrument to the effect of financing EU Common Security and Policy activities that seek to build peace, prevent conflict and strengthen international security.

The EPF also compensates the Member States joining the endeavour for military assistance provided to Ukraine. The Czech Republic has received from the EPF some EUR 14.7 million in two payments, and there are more payments to be made in the years ahead.

According to the Minister, the key in financing the EU military assistance to Ukraine is sustainability and predictability. "It is necessary to reflect on the whole form of our assistance and the course of action preferred by individual Member States. Specifically, bilateral activities and EPF measures should be as complementary as possible."

Russia's malicious influence in Sahel

The Russian aggression does not affect Ukraine and the adjacent region only. In attendance of senior NATO and UN officials, EU Defence Minister also discussed the security situation in the Sahel and in the Balkans.

The situation in Sahel has been very tense in the past months with coups taking place in many countries. Minister Černochová underlined restricting Russia's influence in Sahel is the only way ahead. "Recent events in Niger have again shown that we are repeatedly failing in this endeavour as the Western Community. It is key now to avoid pushing Niger into the hands of Russia," the Minister said. Europe should also pay an increased attention to the Western Balkans.