The exercise saw participation from nearly all units of the Czech Air Force alongside NATO allies, engaging in scenarios designed to simulate heavy electronic jamming. The new MADR system demonstrated its effectiveness by detecting and tracking aircraft despite extensive electronic interference, outperforming both former Soviet and advanced Czech radar systems.
Colonel Michal Kudyn, the exercise director, emphasized the importance of these drills. He highlighted the necessity for aircrews to adapt to conditions where navigation and communication systems are compromised. The MADR’s advanced Electronic Counter Counter-Measures (ECCM) capabilities played a pivotal role in maintaining uninterrupted detection and tracking operations.
Major General Petr Čepelka noted the exercise’s success, particularly in enhancing the resilience of ground-based air defence systems against jamming attacks. The MADR’s ability to detect unmanned systems and artillery provides an additional layer of defence, bolstering the Czech Air Force’s operational readiness.
This deployment is part of a broader modernization effort. In December 2019, the Czech Republic signed an intergovernmental contract with Israel, valued at CZK 3.5 billion, for the acquisition of eight ELM-2084 MMR systems. These advanced radars, delivered by ELTA Systems, are intended to replace outdated Russian-made radar technology, providing comprehensive air situation awareness at low and medium altitudes.
Five of these radars will be stationed at fixed military sites, contributing to the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS), while the remaining three will protect strategic national objectives and critical infrastructure.
Czech defence companies, including Retia and the Military Technical Institute, will support the MADR systems. A contract for the lifetime support of the radars, valued at CZK 4.3 billion, is expected to be signed soon. This agreement includes technology transfer and local production capabilities, ensuring self-reliant maintenance and the integration of advanced technologies into Czech defence systems.
