At a time when Russian aggression against Ukraine is entering a new phase and tensions in the Middle East and Asia are rising, Prague has become the center of discussions on the future of European aviation. This year's European Air Chiefs Conference (EURAC 2025) brought more than twenty air force commanders and other partners and experts to the capital. The joint message was clear: the Alliance is united, determined, and ready to defend its space in a multipolar world. The central theme of this year's conference was "Air Dominance in a Multipolar World: Strategic Adaptation of European Aviation to Changing Global Alliance Dynamics."

Current battlefields: Ukraine and the Middle East

The first block, entitled "Air forces in modern conflict and adaptation to new security threats," brought the debate directly to the battlefield – to Ukraine and Israel. The discussion focused on drones, electronic warfare, cyberattacks, integrated air defense, and hypersonic weapons—threats that are fundamentally changing the nature of warfare today and forcing European air forces to adapt quickly.

This block showed that today's wars are fought differently than we were used to. The mass deployment of drones, electronic warfare, cyberattacks, and sophisticated air defense systems are all changing the nature of armed conflict and requiring European air forces to adapt quickly.

The Ukrainian Deputy Commander of the Air Force, Major General Serhii Holubcov, emphasized that his country is now on the front line for the whole of Europe: "Ukraine is fighting not only for its freedom, but also for the security of the whole of Europe. Without sufficient modern aircraft and ammunition, air superiority cannot be achieved. Drones account for up to 80% of Russian losses, but we need the support of our allies to continue."

Lieutenant Colonel Ouri Catarivas, head of the Israeli Air Force's international relations department, shared Israel's experience: "The lesson is clear: only thorough preparation and modern technology enabled us to defend the state against massive retaliation. Israel cannot afford to fail—and neither can Europe today."

Catarivas further noted that every conflict is a laboratory: "Both Ukraine and Israel show how cheap and smart drones can be used against an adversary's unmanned aerial vehicles. The integration of artificial intelligence into development is essential, otherwise our adversary will outpace us."

According to British analyst Dr. Jack Watling of the prestigious RUSI institute, the West must overcome its own fragmentation: "Russia is able to circumvent some of the sanctions and is looking for new allies. That is why it is essential to link security policy with the defense industry and respond faster than our adversary."

Europe and its own responsibility

The second block of the conference opened with the topic of European strategic autonomy. At a time when the United States is shifting its priorities and global competition is intensifying, Europe must invest more in defense, develop domestic industry, and seek partnerships beyond the traditional framework. The discussion thus focused on the need for greater European investment in defense, the development of domestic technologies, reducing dependence on the US, and strengthening partnerships outside the Euro-Atlantic area.

Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, Army General Karel Řehka, warned: "Russia remains the greatest threat to Europe. The future of us all is being decided in Ukraine. We must adapt, modernize, and prepare not only our armies but also our society."

Ilan Mazushan, Deputy Director of Political-Military Affairs at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, offered a historical parallel: “In the past, Czechoslovakia was the only country that helped us at a critical moment. We will never forget that. And today, we stand alongside Europe. Security never comes for free – it is the result of determination, investment, and cooperation.”
Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Philip Breedlove, added: “Europe has been lulled into complacency for too long, taking peace for granted. Putin will not stop on his own – we must show him that our resolve is stronger than his aggression.”

Technologies that determine the future

The third and final block focused on innovation and modernization programs. It was stated that without investment in fifth-generation aircraft and without the integration of breakthrough technologies, Europe will lose its ability to keep pace with its adversaries.

Mara A. Motherway, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin, explained: "A fifth-generation aircraft is not just a fighter jet. It is a flying sensor, a hub that connects information and allows commanders to respond in real time. This is the future, and it has already begun."

Major General Petr Čepelka, Commander of the Czech Air Force, added: "Without fifth-generation aircraft, it is impossible to fully counter modern threats. The purchase of the F-35 is clear proof that the Czech Republic takes its responsibilities within NATO seriously."

The Commander of the Czech Air Force also highlighted the importance of multi-layered air defense, which will be strengthened in the Czech Republic by SPYDER systems interoperable with NATO architecture: "Air superiority is not just about aircraft. Robust ground-based air defense is just as important as the acquisition of F-35s."

C-390 Millennium: user cooperation

On the sidelines of EURAC 2025, a meeting was also held between the countries involved in the C-390 Millennium multipurpose transport aircraft project. A representative of EMBRAER presented the status and prospects of the project, while Brigadier General Jaroslav Falta, Commander of the 24th Transport Aviation Base, shared the first Czech experiences with introducing the aircraft into service and training specialists.

The meeting concluded that closer cooperation between C-390 users will be key to its effective introduction into European air forces, as well as to the future sharing of special equipment and ensuring maximum flexibility in multi-domain operations.

Czechia: a reliable link in the chain

Hosting EURAC 2025 was not only a prestigious event for the Czech Republic, but also an opportunity to show that it is a responsible and reliable ally that not only benefits from collective defense, but also actively contributes to it – by modernizing its air force, building air defense, and sharing experience.

Major General Čepelka's closing words summed up the atmosphere of the entire conference: "Together we are stronger. The Czech Republic will always stand alongside its allies because we know that our security is inextricably linked to the security of the entire Alliance."

EURAC 2025 in Prague sent a clear signal: Europe will not be intimidated. NATO remains united, innovative, and ready to face all challenges – from hybrid threats to drone warfare to ballistic missiles. And the Czech Republic is a proud part of this defense shield.