Ján Spišák Passed AwayPersonal data

Redakce

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 221

The Impact of Recent Legal Regulation of Armed Conflict in the Context of the War in UkraineReviewed - Review

Leopold Skoruša, Karel Marek, Ondřej Horák, Radim Vičar

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 200-220 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.200-220

This article analyses the current state of international humanitarian law (IHL) considering the armed conflict in Ukraine. It explores the theoretical framework of IHL, the typology of the conflict, recent legal developments, and their practical impacts. Special attention is given to the failures of international law in protecting civilians, the limitations of legal enforcement, and proposals for improving the system's effectiveness. The aim is to contribute to scholarly debate on the future of legal regulation in armed conflicts.

Current Status and Some Future Challenges of Information Environment Defense in the Czech Republic and AbroadReviewed - Review

Šárka Tesařová, Radomír Ščurek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 180-199 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.180-199

The article addresses the issue of information environment defence in the current security context, with a special focus on cognitive warfare as one of the key and rapidly developing challenges of recent years. The aim of this overview article is to place this phenomenon within a broader security-strategic framework of information environment defence and to describe how this area is conceptually and institutionally approached in the Czech Republic and in selected NATO Allies – specifically in the United Kingdom, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Slovakia. The article is primarily based on publicly available strategic and conceptual documents...

Systemic Challenges in the Pre-Hospital Medical Reporting Framework: A NATO-Aligned Concept Development and Experimentation StudyReviewed - Research

Veronika Šedivcová, Hana Střítecká, Vanda Boštíková, Daniel Petriľák, Petr Král, Hynek Schvach

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 156-179 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.156-179

Pre-hospital medical reporting is critical for MEDEVAC activation and Medical C2. However, NATO exercises frequently reveal data inconsistencies and information loss. This study evaluates information flow within a Czech Army mechanized battalion and verifies a new Pre-Hospital Care (PHC) concept designed to address these friction points. A Table-Top Exercise (TTX) involving forty participants was conducted to test the concept. Results revealed significant deviations from NATO standards (9-liner, MIST), with critical information loss occurring between company and battalion levels. Conversely, the PHC concept demonstrated improved structure,...

Infiltration and Influence Targeting of the Czech Armed Forces’ Active Reserves: An Overview of Non-Conventional Risks to Critical Infrastructure ProtectionReviewed - Review

Ondřej Vozňák

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 142-155 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.142-155

The article examines infiltration and influence operations targeting members of the Active Reserves of the Czech Armed Forces as a specific non-conventional risk factor for critical infrastructure protection. As a bridge between civilian and military spheres, the Active Reserve is exposed to psychological and informational pressures affecting loyalty and operational readiness. The paper summarizes theoretical approaches to the insider threat phenomenon, identifies human-factor vulnerabilities, and compares the Czech framework with selected NATO, EU, and U.S. models. It concludes with recommendations for preventive measures focused on education,...

Achievability of Personnel Goals of the Czech Armed Forces: A comparative view of recruitment strategies in EuropeReviewed - Research

Tomáš Kučera

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 118-141 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.118-141

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has renewed the emphasis on personnel readiness of European armed forces. The Czech Armed Forces aims to reach 37,500 professional soldiers and 15,000 reservists, yet it remains uncertain whether this is achievable within an all-volunteer system. The article compares the recruitment approaches of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, which recorded the fastest personnel growth in the past decade. Using the Military Participation Ratio, it combines quantitative and qualitative analysis of recruitment policies. The findings show that meeting Czech targets is possible but requires a reform of the recruitment system....

Compensation of Active Reserve: Does the Current System Motivate Frequent Training?Reviewed - Research

Jan Kofroň, Jan Matuach

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 101-117 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.101-117

The Active Reserve currently represents, in effect, the only organized reserve force of the Czech Armed Forces. Given this, it is necessary to ensure that members of the Active Reserve have both the opportunity and motivation to train sufficiently often. Financial compensation is, of course, among the key motivational factors—both for joining the (voluntary) reserves and for active participation in training. Our text analyzes the current remuneration system for members of the Active Reserve and highlights several problematic aspects that may reduce the willingness of reservists to train for more than 14–21 days per year. Based on...

Threat Proximity and Defense Response:
A Comparative Analysis of Military Spending Transformation in Seven Eastern European NATO StatesReviewed - Research

Cezar Vasilescu

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 87-100 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.087-100

This research examines post-2022 defence transformation among seven Eastern European NATO members, identifying patterns that nuance existing burden-sharing theories and refine understanding of regional security dynamics. Through a systematic comparative analysis incorporating quantitative spending data, procurement classifications, and geographic threat assessments (2021-2025), the study tests whether increased military expenditure translates into credible deterrence. The investigation analyzes spending-capability correlations and geographic proximity effects on response intensity, revealing that unprecedented defense budget expansion coexists...

In the Beginning Was the Word: The Role of Language and Culture in Peace OperationsReviewed - Research

Nadia Gergało-Dąbek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 72-86 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.072-086

The article examines proposals for post-war peacekeeping in Ukraine, emphasizing that future missions must integrate linguistic and cultural competence as strategic assets rather than auxiliary skills. Drawing on experiences from NATO and UN operations, it argues that knowledge of the local language markedly improves trust, intelligence gathering, and operational safety. Because Russia’s war is fundamentally an identity-driven, imperial conflict aimed at erasing Ukrainian nationhood, relying on Russian language or Russocentric expertise would reproduce “imperial knowledge” and undermine mission legitimacy. The study contends...

Effectiveness of Instructional Activities in Military English Courses: Teacher and Student PerspectivesReviewed - Research

Stanislava Jonáková, Jana Rozsypálková

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 53-71 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.053-071

This study examines the perceived effectiveness of instructional activities in elementary-level military English courses from both teacher and student perspectives. Data were collected through a self-report questionnaire completed by 52 English teachers affiliated to the University of Defence Language Centre and 173 learners enrolled in Level 1 courses. Descriptive statistical analysis indicated broad agreement between teachers and learners regarding the usefulness of classroom activities. The results further suggest that teacher corrective feedback during interactive tasks substantially influences learners’ motivation and perceptions of...

Transformative Role of Emerging Technologies in Enhancing Military Operations: Insights from the War in UkraineReviewed - Research

Dumitriu Cătălin-Costel

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 36-52 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.036-052

The objective of this study is to analyze how emerging technologies affect the operational effectiveness and resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the ongoing conflict. To achieve this, the article develops and applies a five-dimensional analytical framework covering command and control, intelligence and situational awareness, decision-making speed, operational agility, and resilience. The methodology is qualitative and exploratory, relying on literature review, comparative analysis, and indirect observation of open-source intelligence. Findings show that the integration of artificial intelligence, unmanned aircraft systems, advanced...

Sino-Russian Military Cooperation since the War in UkraineReviewed - Research

Zdeněk Rod, Martin Růžička

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 19-35 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.019-035

The presented study seeks to illuminate the nature and scope of Sino-Russian military cooperation following the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The research question guiding this study is: In which military dimensions – such as technological collaboration, joint military exercises, or the provision of ammunition – does Sino-Russian cooperation manifest, and what underlying factors drive this engagement. The study revealed that the military cooperation between the two countries is very close and has been developing and deepening for a long time. The war in Ukraine has played a role in partially changing the nature of cooperation,...

Operations Planning as Part of the Officers´ Career TrainingReviewed - Research

Richard Saibert, Vlastimil Drápela

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2026, Vol. XXXV. (LXVII.): 3-18 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.35.2026.01.003-018

The article examines the possibilities of developing the competencies of the Czech Armed Forces (CAF) officers in the field of operations planning within the framework of career training. The main learning competencies for operations planning at the operational level are formulated based on a comparison of curricula of professional military education programmes and interviews with experts. These are together with the proposed assessment methods, validated in a real learning process. Different approaches to assessing learning outcomes are discussed in comparison with the current approaches applied in Czech career education, which highlights the...

Review of the Author´s Monography - Petr RožňákBook review

Jan Eichler

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 262-264

Review of the Author´s Monography - Vladimír Karaffa, Cyril Svoboda, Jiří ŠedivýBook review

Richard Stojar

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 260-261

Reconstruction of Critical Industrial Complexes After Artillery Fire in Wartime ConditionsReviewed - Research

Radovan Vnuk, Alexander Ilkström Kravcov, Tomáš Šlajs, Jaroslav Varecha

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 239-259 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.239-259

The study focuses on the methodologies and strategic implications of restoring industrial complexes in post-conflict environments. Drawing on empirical evidence from the war in Eastern Europe, it links NATO engineering doctrine with approaches to damage assessment and stability classification. It proposes damage categorisation and prioritisation of reconstruction based on structural degradation and external system dependencies. Key strategies include mobile engineering teams, improvised materials, and limited documentation. The study also highlights the need to protect sensitive information generated during recovery. A combined approach ensures...

Does Mandatory Military Service Impede Male Representatives from Pursuing Higher Education in Post-Soviet Armenia?Reviewed - Research

Gevorg Grigoryan, Ning Huichun, Jingjing Shi, Ani Margaryan

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 223-238 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.223-238

The enforcement of mandatory military reforms in 2016 and 2018 has significantly affected the overall layout of higher education (HE) in Armenia， creating a number of challenges for different stakeholders. The current research paper makes an attempt to examine the main perceptions of teachers, students, educators, etc., of the enforcement of mandatory military service reforms on the HE system in post-Soviet Armenia. The data of the following study was obtained from four different state universities located in the Republic of Armenia. The outcomes of the research demonstrate that different stakeholders hold controversial opinions in terms...

Loitering Munition: Impact, Response and Approach to its Integration into Smaller Armed ForcesReviewed - Research

Jaroslav Galba, Markéta Licková, Vlastimil Vašíček, Vladimír Vyklický

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 201-222 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.201-222

The article analyzes loitering munition as a distinct category separate from traditional UAVs and examines its role in recent armed conflicts. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative analysis, it finds that these systems have become a persistent feature of modern warfare, which is also reflected in the rapid expansion of acquisition efforts within NATO countries after years of stagnation. Building on these findings, the article introduces four functional criteria defining loitering munition and provides a targeted DOTMLPFI mapping that outlines the key requirements and indicative metrics needed to achieve full operational capability. The study...

Possibilities of Using Ground Robotic Systems as an Element of Protection of Static Military ObjectsReviewed - Research

Jan Nohel, Daniel Srb, Jan Hrdinka, Michal Hrnčiar

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 179-200 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.179-200

The article deals with the possibilities of protecting the outer perimeter of static military facilities using ground-based unmanned systems that can complement the already existing protective elements. The conclusions reached and theoretical assumptions were experimentally verified in the field during the protection of a small base, using UGS Taros Furbo and Tactical Decision Support System calculations. The protection routes calculated by the system were then practically implemented by dismounted patrols and autonomous UGS Taros Furbo, focusing on terrain traversability and time of overcoming. The main objective of the paper is to present to...

Effectiveness of Training Using Simulation Technologies in the Training of Students of the University of Defence in Tactical TrainingReviewed - Research

Ľudovít Hradský, Luděk Rak, Jan Nohel

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 155-178 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.155-178

The article deals with the possibility of using simulation technologies in the training of students of the University of Defence in tactical training and seeks to answer the question whether the use of these means brings demonstrable effectiveness by means of an experiment. First-year students in a Field Training course were randomly divided into 42 sections of approximately equal numbers and then assigned to 3 categories based on their use of live and virtual simulation. All groups were assigned points for a specific tactical activity during the final exercise. The total scores of all groups were subjected to a subsequent statistical investigation...

Force Ratio and Battle CasualtiesReviewed - Research

Vladimír Vráb, Jan Zezula

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 139-154 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.139-154

The assessment of force ratios and battle casualties is a crucial aspect of the military decision-making process. This article evaluates three different tools used by the Army of the Czech Republic at the tactical level: a calculator based on Lanchester's laws, a module within the Battle Information System, and a constructive simulation system. The results indicate that while all tools produce similar outputs, the constructive simulation system offers more accurate estimates of combat losses for both equipment and personnel. Additionally, this system enhances the ability of commanders and staff to adapt to changing scenarios during planning....

Mission Second Career: Czech Soldiers’ Perspectives on Support for the Military-to-Civilian TransitionReviewed - Research

Kristýna Binková, Petr Čech, Jiří Neubauer, Jiří Zácha

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 117-138 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.117-138

The preparation of soldiers for future employment in the civilian labor market is a critical issue that requires attention. This research aimed to identify soldiers' preferences regarding their transition to civilian employment after their military service. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 128 active-duty soldiers from two units of the Czech Armed Forces. The majority of respondents prefer a second career in the private sector, and most would like to start preparing several months before their service ends. Many respondents expressed interest in expanding their skills to improve employability, with retraining courses being the most preferred...

Cognitive Resilience Education in the Czech Military: SWOT AnalysisReviewed - Research

Vladimír Bízik, Dominika Kosárová, Vendula Divišová, Adam Potočňák

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 98-116 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.098-116

This article presents the first systematic analysis of cognitive resilience education within the Czech Ministry of Defence, which is growing in importance in the context of contemporary hybrid threats. Through methodological triangulation (document analysis, questionnaires, interviews), the research maps the coverage of relevant topics across all levels of formal military education. The SWOT analysis reveals both existing foundations for cognitive resilience development and the absence of a systematic approach to this issue. The results highlight three main challenges for transforming the educational system: systematisation of the approach, personnel...

(Re)Framing the Frontlines: The Role of Strategic Communication in the Russian-Ukrainian WarReviewed - Research

Iulia-Alexandra Cojocaru, Marinel-Adi Mustață

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 66-97 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.066-097

This paper examines the role of strategic communication in military operations, with a focus on its impact during the first year of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Using a process-tracing methodology, the study explores whether Ukrainian strategic communication was decisive in resisting Russian attacks. Our findings indicate that strategic communication functioned as a central component of Ukraine’s defence. Effective messaging mobilized broad support from diverse actors, including state entities with no regional stakes and non-state contributors such as civilians, volunteer fighters, and organizations, driven by motivations beyond self-interest....

Economic Sustainment in Attritional Warfare: A Case Study of the Russian-Ukrainian ConflictReviewed - Research

Domagoj Ćorić, Dražen Smiljanić

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 39-65 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.039-065

This article presents a formal economic framework for assessing the sustainability of prolonged attritional warfare. Using the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine as a case study, the paper models the interaction between military production and consumption (losses) to evaluate the limits of state endurance under sustained conflict. The core of the analysis is a differential function of the war economy, defined as the net capacity to sustain operations over time, which is the difference between production and losses. This function is embedded within a theoretical construct that distinguishes between sustainable and unsustainable operational regimes,...

From Battlefield to Classroom: Leveraging Military Design Thinking for Enhanced Officer Training of Multi-Domain OperationsReviewed - Research

Steven P. A. Hornstra, Walther N. K. A. van Mook, Steven J. Durning, Stefan P. Nelwan, Rabia Saylam, Joris J. Wijnker, Jaap A. Hoogenboezem

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 18-38 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.018-038

In military operations, there is increasing emphasis on multi-domain operations (MDO) across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace, with technology and cognitive domain operations playing key roles. However, it remains unclear how NATO can optimally prepare officers for MDO. We applied a military design thinking method in an international setting, involving participants from diverse professional backgrounds (government, academia, industry, and military), all experts in Command and Control, to design a blueprint for an operational-level MDO training program. This blueprint outlines the tasks, knowledge, skills and attitudes required for MDO, and...

Comparative Analysis of NATO and U.S. Approaches to Multi-Domain OperationsReviewed - Research

Zdeněk Petráš

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 3-17 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.02.003-017

The article is a thematic sequel of a previous work addressing the concept of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) in the context of modern warfare. It highlights the differences in the conceptual approaches to MDO as applied by the U.S. Armed Forces and NATO in response to current security challenges. The study outlines the shift by NATO and the U.S. from traditional joint operations to integrated strategies within respective operational domains. Based on a literature review and content analysis of doctrinal documents, it identifies a fundamental difference in the conceptual approaches of NATO and the U.S. to MDO. While the U.S. approach emphasizes...

Czech Defense Policy in the Light of Strategic CultureReviewed - Research

Vladimír Karaffa, Cyril Svoboda

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 3-23 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.01.003-023

The article analyzes key aspects of the development of the Czech Republic‘s defense policy since 1989, with a focus on the role of strategic culture. It examines historical, political, and social factors that have shaped the Czech Republic‘s approach to defense and security issues. Special attention is given to the transformation of the Czech Armed Forces, the transition to a professional military model, and responses to changing geopolitical threats. The analysis also considers public perceptions of the military, the influence of historical narratives on strategic culture, and the attitudes of political elites toward defense matters. The...

O nutnosti předvojenské výchovyOther

Redakce

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 167-173

Is the Transatlantic Bond a Permanent Constant for our Security?Opinions, controversy

Zdeněk Petráš

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 159-165