Defense Sector to Become ‘Pillar’ of Auto-Heavy Czech Economy

The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, a senior cabinet member said.

Karel Havlicek, minister for industry and trade in the cabinet of billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis, said the Czech defense sector should become a “strong industrial pillar” alongside automotive, energy and transport.