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Turkish Armed Drones Production and DeploymentReviewed - ReviewPavel Faus, Miroslav MarešVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2021, Vol. XXX. (LXII.): 21-37 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.30.2021.01.021-037 This article studies the current stage of development of armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology in Turkey, within the context of the current media attention caused by its deployment in various conflicts. Authors first provide a classification framework for surveillance and armed drones. Text proceeds with an overview of the technology and its military use. The core of the text focuses on Turkey's past and present use of armed drones. Authors analyse the current stage of Turkey's armed drone development production and export destinations. Furthermore, operational use by Turkey or other parties is discussed. Authors conclude by comparing current generation of Turkish drones to those deployed by the United States, highlighting technological edge on the side of the US, as well as continuing dependency of Turkey's main drone systems on foreign components. |
Crowdsourcing as an Element of Strategic-Operational Intelligence. How NATO Used it and Changed the GameReviewed - ReviewKarel Pešek, Jozef Vojtek, Libor KutějVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 84-104 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.33.2024.01.084-104 The article focuses on the concept of crowdsourcing in the social networking environment as a new phenomenon involving civilians in the intelligence process, enabling the use of their intelligence potential during armed conflict. Crowdsourcing of the civilian population is introduced by the example of NATO intervention during the first civil war in Libya. The article presents its use during the intelligence process at the strategic-operational level of command and control of the armed forces. It establishes its possible definition as a collection method of the intelligence process, and as a collection method which is disjunctively separable from similar intelligence collection methods. |
Possibility of Supporting the Activity of Infantry Units with Combat Unmanned Ground Systems During an Attack OperationReviewedJan Hrdinka, Jan Nohel, Jan Zezula, Jan MazalVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 120-135 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.01.120-135 The article discusses the possibilities of joint deployment of combat unmanned ground vehicles with combat infantry units. It summarizes the deployment of these assets in past and present military operations, including the presentation of deployment experiences available from public sources, and examines the joint deployment of an infantry squad with an unmanned ground combat platform during an attack operation. Using a constructive simulation, it presents the results of the deployment of an infantry squad during an attack operation with and without the support of a combat unmanned ground vehicle. As part of the discussion, he develops the ideas necessary for the cooperation of the unit with an unmanned vehicle. The aim of the article is, among other things, to open a debate in the professional community about the possibilities of effective use of unmanned ground systems to support the activity of combat units in military operations. |
Reviewed - Research |
Weapon System Acquisition Process Utilizing Design Simulation as Decision SupportReviewedJan Drozd, Josef ProcházkaVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 37-50 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.33.2024.04.037-050 The selection of optimal weapon systems is crucial for national defense. Traditional empirical methods struggle to address the complexities of modern warfare. This article explores the potential of constructive simulation for informed decision-making in this domain. Simulating tactical operations with complex variables, such as terrain, enemy actions, and system interoperability, provides valuable insights into weapon effectiveness. This enables the optimization of acquisitions in line with strategic goals. Design simulation allows for the exploration of factors difficult to test comparison of armament configurations, analysis of enemy tactics, and optimization of unit composition and deployment, saving costs and time. Simulation enables the safe exploration of even high-risk scenarios. |
Illegal Use of Child Soldiers - a Neglected Question in the Preparation of Professional SoldiersReviewed - ReviewJana BurešováVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2017, Vol. XXVI. (LVIII.): 55-67 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.26.2017.04.055-068 Use of child soldiers by rebel armed forces has been growing in recent years. In comparison to preceding conflicts, main reasons for their use have changed significantly - at the present time, children have become highly efficient psychological weapon in battles against the military from developed countries. This may have momentous consequences not only for the given children but also for professional soldiers. Fighting against child soldiers can indisputably affect the soldiers' capability to discharge their duties. Furthermore, they have to cope with many individual moral dilemmas. The article will look into potential moral aspects regarding confrontation between child soldiers and members of professional armed forces. In the following section, training of professional soldiers and preparation of military mission will be explored. Subsequently, weaknesses which are crucial to forestall in the future will be outlined. |
Implementation of Capability Assessment Process within the Armed Forces of the Czech RepublicReviewed - ReviewZdeněk PetrášVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2018, Vol. XXVII. (LIX.): 25-43 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.27.2018.01.25-44 The article thematically completes a series of articles which subject was to present outcomes of analyses focused on national as well as NATO and EU capability planning processes. Synthesis of analysis outcomes resulted in conceiving a methodologic framework for military capability assessment, whereas the first phase of this framework, i.e. configuration of the national capability requirements database, has been already described in the previous edition of the Czech Military Review. So this article details final phases of the proposed methodological framework, which are set of reference units and mechanism for matching capability requirements against current state capabilities. The key outcome of capability matching phase is identification of capability shortfalls and their subsequent prioritisation. The level of priority is expressed as a degree of operational risk and relates to an expected intensity of operational engagement of force units in military operations. This approach stems from the principle of the capability assessment process which shall be carried out by military experts and which deals exclusively with an expected military end-state in operations. |
Is the Transatlantic Bond a Permanent Constant for our Security?Opinions, controversyZdeněk PetrášVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 159-165 |
Reviewed - Research |
Constructive Simmulation: An Effective Tool for an Assessment of the Operational Effectiveness within the Cability Planning ProcessReviewed - ResearchJan Drozd, Josef ProcházkaVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2022, Vol. XXXI. (LXIII.): 54-70 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.31.2022.02.054-070 The article outlines the outcome of a comprehensive researche aiming at the enhancement of decision making within the defence and operational planning processes. Both processes differ in purpose, neverthelles they are challenged by the very same problém to find solutions with maximum operational effectiveness of armed forces capabilities at minimum cost to achieve objectives. It applies constructive simulation namely the software instruments of MASA SWORD and assess its potential to support the process of capability requirements identification and validation of potential alternatives to achieve objectives. It provides reasonable evidence that constructive simulation is a valuable instrument to support the evidence based decision making within in the processes of defence planning and operations planning proces. Constructive simulation allows to identify the most suitable solutions in terms of both operational effectiveness and costs. |
Introduction of Autonomous Combat Vehicles into the Czech Armed ForcesReviewed - ReviewJan KovandaVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2023, Vol. XXXII. (LXIV.): 83-97 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.32.2023.02.083-097 The article addresses the issue of the emergence of new technologies and their impact on the capabilities of the Czech Armed Forces (CAF). A summary of the recommendations is presented. In particular, there is a need for a conceptual approach to the integration of new systems in order to avoid spontaneous purchasing, which could be very logistically demanding. The very rapid development in the field of unmanned autonomous systems using elements of artificial intelligence offers opportunities to use them in support of the tasks of CAF. Due to the breadth of this issue, the scope is limited to the area of the Special Forces, which introduce these new sophisticated means into use throughout the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. |
Laser Weapons as a New Entity to Small FirearmsReviewed - ReviewLadislav KulhánekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2023, Vol. XXXII. (LXIV.): 48-62 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.32.2023.03.048-062 Laser weapons have long been the subject of debate. The article discusses the potential adoption of laser weapons by infantry units and the future of small firearms. The text analyses these weapons in selected categories that subsequently support the evaluations and the conclusion. If miniaturisation is successfully managed, the comparison reveals an interesting paradox. While laser weapons and firearms do not rival each other as distinct functionalities, given the right conditions, they can actually complement each other and compensate for any disadvantages within their respective categories. Today's complex battlefield is placing ever greater demands on small arms, pushing conventional weapon mechanisms - combined with ammunition that guarantees accuracy and lower recoil, albeit at the expense of penetration - towards the limits of further possible advancement in technology. Improved passive individual protection restricts the wounding potential of pistol ammunition, reducing it to below 150 m for rifle cartridges, while guided ammunition tends to be prohibitively expensive. Under the right conditions, laser weapons could compensate for any of these drawbacks. |
Reviewed - Research |
The Modern War Veteran: Identifying Needs, Problems and Risky FactorsReviewedMarcela Trávníčková, Jitka Laštovková, Benjamin Petruželka, Miroslav BartákVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 70-90 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.33.2024.04.070-090 This article examines the needs and problems of the modern war veterans and identifies factors that may contribute to making them a high-risk group. It uses data from two questionnaire surveys. The respondents were war veterans leaving active service and war veterans who left active service less than ten years ago. The analysis shows that participation in the mission has a negative impact mainly on the family and relationships, and that the most common problems on leaving active service are related to finances and finding a new job. Further, few factors have been identified that may contribute to a high-risky group: less than nineteen years of service, age under forty, having health restrictions due to active service and leaving service as a decision of the employer. |
Arson Attacks in Israel - History and Options for the Elimination of Inincendiary BalloonsReviewed - ReviewAlena Slavíková, Martin Křepský, František Racek, Antonín NovotnýVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 130-146 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.33.2024.02.130-146 The article concerns the issue of arson attacks in Israel.The issue of terrorism in Israel is quite broad, given that it is a very common phenomenon here and Israel deals with terrorism on a daily basis. The paper therefore focuses on incendiary balloons, a weapon that repeatedly caused fires around the Gaza Strip between 2018-2023. It examines their history, their design, outlines the possibilities of their elimination, the advantages and disadvantages of possible technical solutions, and a reflection on the future of their usage. |
Czech Defense Policy in the Light of Strategic CultureReviewed - ResearchVladimír Karaffa, Cyril SvobodaVojenské 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 article highlights the importance of strategic culture as an analytical framework for understanding long-term trends and the evolution of defense policy, while suggesting potential avenues for future research in the Czech context. |
Characteristics of Forcible Entries into Objects and an Experimental Assessment of the Potential Impact of Fragments Scattering on Training Safety when Using Fence ChargeReviewed - ResearchOta Rolenec, Pavel Maňas, Tibor PalasiewiczVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 147-166 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.33.2024.02.147-166 The article focuses on the characteristics of forcible entries into objects and the term "breaching", which is often used interchangeably with this activity. The article further addresses the issue of fragments scattering when using a charge to overcome chain-link fences. The introductory chapter describes the execution of training in this field using the exercise facilities that are built for this purpose in military training areas. When conducting explosive forcible entry training, the safe distance for intervening teams and non-participants is determined using given formulas. The purpose of the simulation, mathematical calculations and experiment was to assess the extent to which fragments scattering occurs during explosive overcoming of these fences and whether the procedures used to determine the safe distance for non-participants are sufficient. |
Reviewed - Research |
Perspectives of Clausewitz’s Center of GravityReviewedJán SpišákVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2025, Vol. XXXIV. (LXVI.): 70-84 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.34.2025.01.070-084 The center of gravity in military affairs represents a dominant element of military art, used in the planning and conduct of military operations. The doctrine defines it as the main source of power that provides the actor with his strength, freedom of action and/or the will to fight. This article examines Clausewitz’s concept of center of gravity through selected philosophical perspectives and clarifies its significance in military theory and practice. It presents the doctrinal development of the concept, discusses its context, and concludes that the concept of the center of gravity remains a key doctrinal and practical element of operational art. |
Proposal of Legal Status of the Expert Valuation Institute Objectifying the Acquisition ProcessReviewed - ResearchJan Hak, Pavel Foltin, Dagmar Pospíšilová, Karel PospíšilVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 97-115 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.33.2024.02.097-115 The process of procuring military equipment, technology, material, and associated services (VM) is frequently shrouded in concerns about cost-effectiveness and, in some instances, even becomes the focus of law enforcement investigations. This often leads to delays in strategic investments and exposes involved individuals to the risk of criminal charges. Additionally, there is a notable lack of capacity to impartially evaluate the overall investment's efficacy. Consequently, the "Znalec" (Expert Witness) project was initiated as a part of the defense research program. Its objective is to explore the feasibility of establishing an expert institute that could impartially assess the value of the military procurements, set a standard for evaluating these assets, and outline a training program for relevant experts. This paper specifically addresses the first objective of the project, proposing a legal framework for the expert institute based on an extensive systems analysis. |
The Active Reserve of the Territorial Defense Troops - are we Still Falling Behind Poland?Reviewed - ReviewPavel Fousek, Zdeněk Flasar, Zbyněk JakubíčekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2023, Vol. XXXII. (LXIV.): 35-47 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.32.2023.03.035-047 The article deals with the preparation of the Active Reserve of Czech Armed Forces, territorial forces in detail. It compares them to the equivalent of the active reserves of the Polish army, namely the Territorial Defense troops. A comparison of the development and preparation of these forces points to the necessity of solving or updating the system of calling up reserves of the Czech Armed Forces, their training, arming and equipping. |
The Path to Bucha: Organisational Practices of the Russian Army and Violence against NoncombatantsReviewed - ReviewTomáš KučeraVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2022, Vol. XXXI. (LXIII.): 81-102 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.31.2022.04.081-102 The Bucha massacre raises the question of whether the Russian army predisposes its soldiers to unlawful violence against civilians. This article assumes that regardless of superior orders, perpetrators of violence must overcome the psychological barriers developed during socialisation. The psychological mechanism of "moral disengagement" allows soldiers to kill in combat and act violently on civilians. The duty of the armed forces is not only to prepare soldiers to fight and kill but also to prevent illegal violence. The case of the Russian army demonstrates how formal activities to prevent moral disengagement and violations of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) face insurmountable obstacles in the form of institutional culture and insufficient human capital. |
Factors Infuencing Quality of Preparation for Urban Area OperationsNonreviewed - Otherkpt. Ing. Pavel ZahradníčekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2016, Vol. XXV. (LVII.): 144-149 The article identifies specific attributes which have influenced duality of training for urban area operations. There are mentioned only the crucial ones. The author was inspired his own experience as infantry unit commander. He used his knowledge gained from military assignments. The article could be considered as topic for future discussion not only on academic but also on specialized level. |
Military Will in the Czech Civil CodeReviewed - ReviewPavel SalákVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 116-129 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.33.2024.02.116-129 The text is dedicated to the analysis of the legal regulation of military wills in the new Civil Code (Law No. 89/2012 Coll.). It places it in a historical legal context. However, priority attention is paid to a detailed analysis of the current legal regulation and potential issues that this regulation brings. It also briefly mentions other options for last dispositions that a soldier could use. The legal regulation of military wills in the Civil Code can be characterized as very well conceived, reflecting the reality of foreign missions. The fact that it takes the form of a public document is also significant if the relevant requirements are met. However, the question is how the application practice of the courts will approach the adjustment. |
A Special Military Operation in the Context of Russia's InterpretationReviewed - ReviewJaroslav Galba, Ján SpišákVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2023, Vol. XXXII. (LXIV.): 50-68 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.32.2023.01.050-068 The Russia has presented the ongoing war in Ukraine by the term special military operation, whose goals were declared by Russian President Putin in terms of demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine. In the wider context, there is an imperial effort of Russia to enforce its power and influence in the region by an offensive and aggressive war. The authors define the fundamental difference between a special operation and the so-called special military operation in the context of contemporary interpretation of the Kremlin. They further argue the way in which Russia is trying to justify the war and discuss its reality in terms of international law. |
From Plan Gideon to Plan Tnufa: Israeli defense strategy and the buildup of the Israeli Defense Forces in the wider context of the Middle East after the Arab SpringReviewed - ResearchĽubomír Zvada, Jiří LachVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2023, Vol. XXXII. (LXIV.): 24-44 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.32.2023.04.024-044 Based on the content analysis method, this study analyzes the first ever published security strategy of the Israel Defense Forces, which was published in 2015. The main objective of the paper is not only to present the circumstances of its creation and discuss the main objectives of this strategic security document, but also to outline the broader geopolitical context from which it emerged. The authors argue that the document primarily emphasized two areas - the use of force and capacity building of the Israeli military. Among other things, the publication of the strategy was intended to have a deterrent effect. In the conclusion, the authors compare the Gideon Plan and its follow-up, the Tnufa Plan, and point to the considerable importance that consensus among political and military elites has in the implementation of such a document and reflect on what lessons and inspiration can be drawn from this case in our geographic space in the process of formulating or reformulating strategic security documents. |
Possibilities of Developing Medical Support Capabilities in the Area of Chemical, Biological Radiological and Nuclear DefenceReviewed - ReviewAleš Tichý, Richard SaibertVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2023, Vol. XXXII. (LXIV.): 98-117 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.32.2023.01.098-117 The article deals with the evaluation of current possibilities of medical support capabilities in the area of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence. The evaluation of national strategic documents shows that the area of providing care in the event of chemical and biological hazards is significantly more developed than in the area of radiation, while the security threats associated with radiation are constantly growing. Analysis of NATO standardization documents in the field of medical support and relevant Czech doctrinal documents was carried out, based on which the diagnostics and triage of irradiated persons, called biological dosimetry, was identified as a potential capability. Using the capability planning methodology and based on the evaluation of the functional areas, a conceptual approach to the development of biological dosimetry capabilities was defined. The presented recommendations also include a proposal for the organizational structure of the Czech Armed Forces biodosimetric network. |
Liability for Health Damage - Public vs Private AreaReviewed - ReviewOndřej Horák, Leopold Skoruša, Radim Vičar, Tomáš ZbořilVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 110-128 | DOI: 10.3849/2336-2995.33.2024.03.110-128 The article deals with the comparison of refunds of non-material damage in public and private area. In the public area is analyzed legal regulation on health injuries in service relations, in private area is discussed legal regulation on health injuries in civil law and labour law. Particular attention will be focused on the transfer of compensation in the event of injury to the heirs - while in service relationships, such claims are extinguished by death (not transferred on the heirs), which was taken over from the 1960s legislation, in current private law, do not cease if they have been recognized or at least brought in court. The aim of the paper is a critical analysis for the current state of legal regulation and the proposals de lege ferenda (approximation to labour law regulation). The issue has increased importance for public finances and functioning of public sector and enforcement of the rule of law. |
Construction of Temporary Bridges after Floods in SloveniaNonreviewed - OtherMartin Benda, Jan SobotkaVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 167-182 The paper deals with the process of constructing temporary bridges after the devastating floods that hit Slovenia at the beginning of August. The Czech Republic has decided to donate three TMS (heavy bridge set) bridges to the Republic of Slovenia as part of humanitarian aid. The article describes the process from the dispatch of a reconnaissance team, through the evaluation of the reconnaissance, to the construction itself. The paper is based on the experiences and observations of the author, who took part in all the processes as a direct participant. |
Challenges for Teaching Foreign Languages (French, German, Russian) at the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic in the Current Geopolitical SituationNonreviewed - OtherLadislav Baumgartner, Iveta Macháčková, Zbyněk Rektořík, Jana TomšůVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2024, Vol. XXXIII. (LXV.): 129-144 The language training within the Ministry of Defence [MoD] of the Czech Republic is primarily focused on English. However, in accordance with the Concept of Personnel Training for the Needs of the MoD, the MoD provides language training in other foreign languages as well. The language teaching is the responsibility of the Language Centre of the University of Defence Brno [CJV UO] and includes English, French, German and Russian. The aim of this article is to compare the activities of the CJV UO with similar language centres in the defence departments of Germany, Austria and France and to present the teaching of French, German and Russian within the MoD through examples of good practice. In the context of the current geopolitical situation, the teaching of French, German and Russian becomes more important, and the CJV UO responds flexibly to the demands of the MoD regarding the provision of the teaching of these languages including professional language and electronic teaching support. |

