Formerly | EXCALIBUR GROUP a.s. (until 2016) |
---|---|
Industry | Arms, automotive and aerospace industry holding company |
Founder | Jaroslav Strnad |
Headquarters | , |
Revenue | € 1,73 billion (CZK 42 billion) (2023) |
10,500,000,000 Czech koruna (2023) | |
€ 0,21 billion (CZK 5 billion) (2023) | |
Total assets | € 3,35 billion (CZK 85,2 billion) (2023) |
Owner | Michal Strnad |
Number of employees | over 10.000 [1] (incl. subsidiaries) (2023) |
Website | czechoslovakgroup |
The Czechoslovak Group (CSG), formerly Excalibur Group, is a Czech industrial-technological holding company encompassing over 100 companies with over 10,000 employees worldwide. Headquartered in Prague, CSG operates in several sectors including defense, aerospace, ammunition, automotive, and railway industries. [2] Since January 2018, the owner of the Czechoslovak Group is Michal Strnad, the son of the founder, Jaroslav Strnad.
While bulk of the CSG's operations is based in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, CSG also operates factories in Germany, [3] India, Italy, Serbia, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. In 2023, 72% of CSG's revenue originated from defense-related manufacturing. CSG exported its products to over 70 countries, with 66% of the CSG's revenue realized in NATO-member states. Outside of NATO, the main customers were from Ukraine (23% of CSG's revenue, down from 41% in 2022), Indonesia, Vietnam, and Morocco. [4]
Jaroslav Strnad started his business as a scrapyard owner in 1990s. [5] From early on, Strnad focused his business on dealing with military surplus equipment, which was in extreme oversupply after the fall of the Warsaw pact. In 1995, Jaroslav Strnad founded a family company Excalibur Army (later to be renamed to Czechoslovak Group) with less than 20 employees. [5] The newly established company expanded business from scrap dealing also towards refurbishment of military surplus equipment. [5] Gradually, the company started acquiring other businesses focused on rail, radar, truck manufacturing. In 2018, Jaroslav Strand's son Michal took over the company, starting an era of international expansion of its businesses. [5] [6] [7]
In 2015, CSG became an important supplier of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles used by the Iraqi Government against the ISIS during the War in Iraq (2013–2017). [8]
CSG has been one of the leading European suppliers of defense and defense-related products to Ukraine. Before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a number of Ukrainian arms developments were using Tatra 817 chassis, including 2S22 Bohdana howitzer, Bureviy rocket artillery system and R-360 Neptune cruise missile. Following the invasion, deliveries to Ukraine comprised 41% of CSG's revenue in 2022 and 23% in 2023. [4] CSG's most notable sales to Ukraine include: [9] [10] [11] [12]
CSG acquired a 70% stake in Fiocchi Munizioni, an Italian munitions company. The deal was worth “hundreds of millions of euros” [13] Fiocchi Munizioni’s focus is mainly civilian market.
The acquisition of Fiocchi Munizioni by Czechoslovak Group took over a year, including six months of negotiations with the Fiocchi family and an extended seven-month approval process from CFIUS, delayed by the war. [14] [15]
In October 2023, CSG announced a deal to purchase ammunition businesses owned by the US company Vista Outdoor in a deal valued at $1.91 billion, pending regulatory approval. [16] [17] [18] [19] Vista's sale to CSG has been protested by senators JD Vance, [20] John Kennedy, representative Clay Higgins and National Sheriffs' Association. [21] Vista Outdoor stockholders approved the sale on 25 November 2024 for the price of $2.23bn. [22]
CSG works closely with General Dynamics European Land Systems, a Madrid-based manufacturer of ground defence vehicles, eg. Pandur II, and Nexter Systems, a leading French manufacturer of military ground equipment. [23] [24]
In May 2020, the Slovak MSM Group acquired the Spanish ammunition manufacturer Fábrica de Municiones de Granada (FMG), specialising in large caliber ammunition and missile components. After the deal, FMG continued its existing operations and export-focused production without managerial changes. This acquisition enabled MSM Group to expand into Western European ammunition markets, reinforcing its international presence and supply chain control. [25] [26]
The US Army acquired POLR-1 radars, known as ReTwis 5, from Czech company Retia. This technology allows for detecting living organisms through walls and has been used by US special forces. ReTwis 5, offering high portability and UWB radio localization, has also been adopted by police units in Phoenix and San Antonio. [27] [28]
The Czechoslovak Group (CSG) partnered with Raytheon to train Afghan pilots and is the only private European operator of Black Hawk helicopters. CSG showcased this capability at the GLOBSEC 2019 Security Forum in Bratislava, emphasizing its support for NATO and the EU.
The forum, attended by key global figures, focused on geopolitical challenges and defense cooperation. CSG’s participation highlighted its industrial focus on international defense collaboration and expertise in advanced military technologies. [29] [30]
The Czech Republic expanded its military capabilities by ordering an additional ten CAESAR self-propelled howitzers from French company Nexter Systems for EUR 77 million, bringing the total order to 62 units valued over EUR 450 million. This modernization program, replacing outdated DANA howitzers, involves significant collaboration with the Czech defense industry, including Tatra Trucks for chassis integration and Retia for communication systems. The CAESAR howitzers, to be delivered by 2026, will become the Czech armed forces' main artillery system. [31] [32] [33]
Israel Aerospace Industries' MMR radars, known for advanced air surveillance and defense capabilities, successfully passed Czech Army military tests. The collaboration with Czech companies RETIA and VTU includes technology transfer for local production and maintenance of the radars. These systems, integrated into NATO frameworks, replace outdated Russian technology and enhance Czech defense infrastructure. The Czech defense industry's involvement constitutes around 30% of the total project value, showcasing significant local contribution and expertise in radar technology development. [34] [35] [36]
The Belgian Army, in a move to modernize its fleet, awarded DAF a contract for 879 military trucks, comprising both 4x4 and 8x8 vehicles, to be delivered between 2022 and 2025. This EUR 259 million contract includes trucks for various roles, with 40% featuring armored cabs. Additionally, DAF, in collaboration with Tatra Trucks, will provide unique chassis and engines for these vehicles, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The collaboration also ensures local maintenance and support, bolstering Belgium's defense infrastructure and capabilities. [37] [38] [39]
Also, in 2023, Tatra Trucks, in cooperation with Rosenbauer, won a contract to supply 76 fire engines to the German Bundeswehr for forest firefighting. The vehicles, based on the Tatra T815-7 chassis with advanced features, will enhance the Bundeswehr's capabilities in combating forest fires. [40] [41]
Tatra Trucks delivered in 2022 the first Tatra Phoenix truck to the U.S. Army for use in their training grounds in Germany. This three-way all-wheel drive tipper truck is part of a broader engagement of Tatra Trucks with various world armies. [42] [43]
Logo | Company | Headquarters | Focus | Share | Note / main products |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CSG Defense | |||||
EXCALIBUR ARMY spol. s r.o. | Šternberk, Czech Republic | Refurbishment and manufacturing of heavy arms | 90% | T-72 Avenger tank Morana 155mm SPG RM 70 Vampire MLRS | |
EXCALIBUR INTERNATIONAL a.s. | Prague, Czech Republic | Export agency for CSG companies | |||
TATRA DEFENCE VEHICLE a.s. | Prague, Czech Republic | Wheeled armored military vehicles development and manufacturing | 100% | Patriot MRAP TITUS MRAP Pandur II APC Armored cabs for Tatra trucks | |
ZVS holding, a.s. | Slovakia | Tank and artillery ammunition production. | |||
VOP Nováky, a. s. | Slovakia | Production of rockets, grenades, etc. | |||
Fábrica de Municiones de Granada | Spain | Tank and artillery ammunition production. | |||
14. oktobar | Kruševac, Serbia | Heavy machinery manufacturing | 100% | ||
REAL TRADE PRAHA a.s. | Šternberk, Czech Republic | International arms trade | 91% | Licensing and transporting services for intl. arms trade | |
CSG Ammo+ | |||||
Baschieri & Pellagri ammunition | Bologna, Italy | Small arms ammunition manufacturer | |||
CCI Ammunition | Lewiston, Idaho | Small arms ammunition manufacturer | |||
Federal Premium Ammunition | Anoka, Minnesota | Small arms ammunition manufacturer | |||
Fiocchi Munizioni | Lecco, Italy | Small arms ammunition manufacturer | 70% | Operates also 2 factories in the USA. | |
HEVI-Shot | Sweet Home, Oregon | Small arms ammunition manufacturer | P | ||
Lyalvale Express | Fisherwick, United Kingdom | Small arms ammunition manufacturer | |||
Remington Ammunition | Lonoke, Arkansas | Small arms ammunition manufacturer | |||
CSG Aerospace | |||||
Atrak a.s. | Prague, Czech Republic | Advanced air traffic control systems development | 100% | ||
Česká letecká servisní a.s. | Prague, Czech Republic | Avionics integration for air-plane modernization | |||
CS SOFT a.s. | Prague, Czech Republic | Advanced air traffic control systems development | 80% | ||
ELDIS Pardubice, s.r.o. | Pardubice, Czech Republic | Radar technology development and manufacturing | 100% | ||
EUROPEAN AIR SERVICES s.r.o. | Prague, Czech Republic | Sales and modernization of aircraft, pilot training | 87,3% | Operates fleet of 24 helicopters | |
JOB AIR Technic a.s. | Mošnov, Czech Republic | Maintenance and servicing of airplanes | 40,15% | ||
RETIA, a.s. | Pardubice, Czech Republic | Radars, air-defense systems, ISTAR systems, command and control systems | 100% | ||
Slovak Training Academy s.r.o. | Dubnica nad Váhom, Slovakia | Pilot training | 100% | ||
UpVision s.r.o. | Prague, Czech Republic | Drone technology and drone defense developer | |||
CSG Mobility | |||||
Avia Motors s.r.o. | Prague, Czech Republic | Light truck manufacturing | 100% | Established 1919 (currently defunct [44] ) | |
DAKO-CZ, a.s. | Třemošnice, Czech Republic | Manufacture of rail breaking systems | 51% | Established 1816 | |
LIberecké Automobilové Závody | Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic | Medium truck manufacturing | 100% | Established 1951 (currently defunct) | |
TATRA TRUCKS a.s. | Kopřivnice, Czech Republic | Heavy truck & chassis manufacturing | 65% | The third oldest company in the world producing motor vehicles with an unbroken history. First car made in 1897, first truck in 1898. Tatra 810 medium off-road truck Tatra 817 heavy off-road military truck Tatra 158 heavy off-road civilian truck | |
CSG Business Projects (other) | |||||
ELTON hodinářská, a. s. | Nové Město nad Metují, Czech Republic | Watch manufacturing | 73,16% | PRIM watches | |
Perazzi | Brescia, Italy | High-end shotgun manufacturing | 80% | ||
KARBOX, s. r. o. | Přelouč, Czech Republic | Container development and manufacturing | 100% | ||
Prague Fertility Centre | Prague, Czech Republic | 100% | |||
The Czechoslovak Group holds shares in around 100 companies based mainly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, [45] including a majority stake in the Kopřivnice-based car manufacturer Tatra Trucks. [46] In addition to the automotive industry, CSG holds shares in companies operating in the aviation, railway, defence, and other sectors. [47] CSG's current portfolio also includes the production of engineering products for the automotive, railway and aerospace industries, watches, specialised vehicles and off-road trucks.
The Czech Armed Forces, also known as the Czech Army, is the military service responsible for the defence of the Czech Republic as part of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic alongside the Military Office of the President of the Republic and the Castle Guard. The army consists of the General Staff, the Land Forces, the Air Force and support units.
Tatra is a Czech vehicle manufacturer from Kopřivnice. It is owned by the TATRA TRUCKS a.s. company, and it is the third oldest company in the world producing motor vehicles with an unbroken history. The company was founded in 1850 as Ignatz Schustala & Cie. In 1890 the company became a joint-stock company and was renamed the Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriksgesellschaft. In 1897, the Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau-Fabriksgesellschaft produced the Präsident, which was the first factory-produced automobile with a petrol engine to be made in Central and Eastern Europe. The First Truck was made a year later, in 1898. In 1918, the company was renamed Kopřivnická vozovka a.s., and in 1919 it changed from the Nesselsdorfer marque to the Tatra badge, named after the nearby Tatra Mountains on the Czechoslovak-Polish border.
The Škoda Works was one of the largest European industrial conglomerates of the 20th century. In 1859, Czech engineer Emil Škoda bought a foundry and machine factory in Plzeň, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary that had been established ten years previously, founding Škoda Works. By World War I, Škoda Works had become the largest arms manufacturer in Austria-Hungary, supplying the Austro-Hungarian army with mountain guns, mortars and machine guns, including the Škoda M1909, and the ships of the Austro-Hungarian navy with heavy guns. After the end of the war and the creation of the First Czechoslovak Republic, the company, previously focused on manufacturing of armaments, diversified and became a major manufacturer of locomotives, aircraft, ships, machine tools, steam turbines, equipment for power utilities, among other industrial products.
The Czech Air Force is the air force branch of the Army of the Czech Republic. Along with the Land Forces, the Air Force is the major Czech military force. With traditions of military aviation dating back to 1918, the Czech Air Force, together with the Slovak Air Force, succeeded the Czechoslovak Air Force in 1993. On 1 July 1997, the 3rd Tactical Aviation Corps and the 4th Air Defence Corps of the Czech Army were merged to form an independent Air Force Headquarters.
The Camion Équipé d'un Système d'Artillerie or CAESAR is a French 155 mm, 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer that can fire 39/52 caliber NATO-standard shells. It is installed on a 6x6 or 8x8 truck chassis. Equipped with an autonomous weapon network incorporating an inertial navigation system and ballistic computer, the CAESAR can accurately strike targets more than 40 kilometres (25 mi) away using "Extended Range, Full Bore" (ERFB) ammunition with base bleed, or targets over 55 kilometres (34 mi) away using rocket-assisted or smart ammunition.
The Pandur II is an improved modular all-wheel-drive version of the Pandur 6×6 APC wheeled armoured vehicle. It was developed as a private venture by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge. Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge is part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), which is also the parent company of MOWAG of Switzerland and Santa Bárbara Sistemas of Spain.
The DANA is a wheeled self-propelled artillery piece. It is also known as the Samohybná Kanónová Húfnica vzor 77. It was designed by Konštrukta Trenčín and built by ZTS Dubnica nad Váhom in the former Czechoslovakia. Introduced in the 1970s, it was the first wheeled 152 mm self-propelled artillery gun to enter service. It is based on a modified eight-wheel drive (8×8) Tatra 815 chassis with excellent cross-country mobility.
The RM-70 multiple rocket launcher is a Czechoslovak Army version and heavier variant of the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, providing enhanced performance over its parent area-saturation rocket artillery system that was introduced in 1971.
The Nora B-52 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Military Technical Institute and manufactured by Yugoimport SDPR in Velika Plana, Serbia.
CCI, based in Lewiston, Idaho, manufactures rimfire ammunition, centerfire handgun ammunition, and primers for reloaders and industrial ammunition production. CCI made the first mini-mag rimfire ammunition in 1963, and in 1975 developed the Stinger, a high velocity .22 Long Rifle product. Today, CCI makes a wide range of rimfire and snake shot ammunition.
Military Technical Museum Lešany is a museum of military vehicles located in Lešany in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It is part of the Military History Institute Prague together with Kbely Aviation Museum and Army Museum Žižkov. Its exposition contains over 700 historic tanks, cannons, motorcycles, armored vehicles, trucks, military passenger vehicles, missile systems and other military equipment manufactured from 1890 to the present. The museum is open from June to September on weekends and in July and August all days except mondays and is free of charge.
ATMOS is a 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled gun system manufactured by Israeli military manufacturer Soltam Systems.
The Czechoslovak People's Army was the armed forces of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ) and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic from 1954 until 1989. From 1955 it was a member force of the Warsaw Pact. On 14 March 1990 the Army's name was officially reverted to the Czechoslovak Army removing the adjective "People's" from the name. The Czechoslovak Army was split into the Army of the Czech Republic and the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia on 1 January 1993.
The Tatra T 810 (Tactic) is a medium truck made by Czech company Tatra; it replaced the popular Praga V3S which was introduced in the 1950s and served in the Army of the Czech Republic until 2008. Unlike other Tatra trucks, it does not use classic Tatra air-cooled engine and the traditional Tatra conception of backbone chassis and swinging half-axles, but the customary truck architecture with conventional frame. It is mainly intended for difficult terrain conditions. The civilian version T 810-C was introduced in 2010.
The Czech Land Forces are the land warfare forces of the Czech Republic. The Land Forces consisting of various types of arms and services complemented by air and special operations forces constitute the core of the Czech Armed Forces. Land Forces Command is located in Olomouc.
The Titus is an infantry mobility vehicle developed and built by Nexter and Tatra Defence Vehicle.
The Tatra 815-7 is a heavy army logistics vehicle made by the Czech company Tatra produced since 2007. T817 is primarily intended for military operators and for specialist roles in civilian sector. The truck is made primarily with axle variations of 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 and 10×10. Other chassis variants up to 16x16 are also available.
EVA is a Slovak-made self-propelled howitzer, developed by Konstrukta Defence and publicly revealed in 2015. The EVA is based on a Tatra 815 6x6 truck, but the system can be also mounted on a 8x8 truck chassis. It is armed with a 155 mm / L52 howitzer and has a maximum firing range of 41 kilometres (25 mi) with ERFB-BB ammunition.
The 2S22 Bohdana is a 155 mm NATO-standard caliber, wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed in Ukraine. Its prototype is mounted on the chassis of the Ukrainian six-wheel-drive KrAZ-6322 truck. It has an armoured cabin and storage for 20 shells. The howitzer has a minimum range of 780 meters, and a maximum range of 42 km, or 50 km with a rocket-assisted projectile. It is capable of firing M982 Excalibur shells and it can fire 5 rounds per minute.