Dear Guests, Dear Participants of the Future Forces Forum,

Security has become one of Europe’s key priorities in recent years. It is becoming increasingly clear that it cannot be separated from the economy, industry, energy, technology, or the ability of the state to create the conditions necessary to build its own strategic capabilities.

The Czech Republic has strong foundations to build on in this regard. We are an industrial and engineering-oriented country with strong technical expertise, high-quality universities and research institutions, and companies capable of succeeding in the most demanding global markets. We therefore do not see the defence and security industry solely as a matter of national defence. It is also an important part of our economy, technological development, and export potential.

Our goal must be to ensure that the largest possible share of investment in security also creates value in the Czech Republic. Czech companies should be involved in major projects, broader supply chains of small and medium-sized enterprises, technology companies and start-ups should develop around strong domestic players, and cooperation between industry, universities and research institutions should become much more intensive.

This is precisely where I see one of the greatest opportunities for the Czech economy in the years ahead.

Modern defence industry is no longer only about traditional manufacturing. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, electronics, cybersecurity, advanced materials, space technologies and dual-use solutions are playing an increasingly important role. These are areas where the security needs of the state intersect with technologies that can significantly strengthen the competitiveness of the entire economy.

And this is precisely why the Future Forces Forum matters.

It brings together representatives of government, the armed forces and security services, Czech and international industry, technology companies, research institutions and our international partners. It is not enough simply to discuss the capabilities we will need in the future. We must also find ways to develop, manufacture, finance and deploy them in practice.

The role of the state is not to replace business. Its role is to create a stable and predictable environment, open doors for companies in international markets, support research and innovation, and, where strategically important, help connect the public and private sectors.

We want the Czech Republic to be more than a customer of the most advanced technologies. Our ambition is to be a country that develops, manufactures and successfully exports them.

The future of European security will increasingly depend on our ability to combine industrial capacity, technological capabilities and the experience of individual countries. It will therefore be equally important to strengthen cooperation within NATO and the European Union while continuing to build a strong domestic industrial base.

The Future Forces Forum is where these worlds come together. I therefore believe that this year’s edition will bring not only valuable discussions and presentations of new technologies, but above all new projects, partnerships and concrete business opportunities.

I wish the Future Forces Forum 2026 every success and all participants inspiring discussions and many tangible results.