The Czech army has recruited nearly 3,700 soldiers this year, with 3,696 either starting service or receiving confirmation of their acceptance, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna said on Wednesday, adding that he hoped to maintain a similar pace next year.
The army aims to reach 30,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 active reservists by 2035. A new strategy, being prepared for 2040, is expected to set higher targets.
Zůna said modernisation requires enough trained personnel as well as new equipment. He also stressed the need for closer cooperation between the military, domestic defence companies and researchers to bring new technologies into service more quickly.