Interview with Dr. Kristýna Helm, Vice President of the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic (AOBP)

“Our presence in Albania underscores our ambition to be not just a supplier but a true partner in strengthening the country’s defence and security capabilities. By combining Czech technological expertise with Albania’s growing defence potential, we can build a sustainable, long-term partnership that benefits both sides,” says Dr. Kristýna Helm, Vice President of the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic, in this interview with Albanian Daily News.

Ms. Helm in part of the delegation accompanying the Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky who is visiting Tirana. She states that the Czech defence industry sees Albania as an important partner and a key market, particularly within the broader effort to strengthen NATO’s and the EU’s industrial base. Czech companies are keen to explore further opportunities, including for investment into production in Albania, says Ms Helm in the following interview:

- Dr Helm, could you explain the main role of AOBP and your position within the organisation?

-The Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic (AOBP) serves as the official representative of the Czech defence industry. While we support our members on the domestic market, our primary focus is export promotion, as more than 90% of our defence production is sold internationally. AOBP represents 200 member companies, offering a highly diverse portfolio with solutions across multiple defence and security domains.

AOBP is also actively engaged in shaping EU and NATO policies related to the defence industry. As Vice President and Deputy Executive Director of AOBP, I hold several roles within NATO and EU structures. I serve as a Board Member of the NATO Science and Technology Organization, Deputy Head of the Czech Delegation to the NATO Industry Advisory Group, and National Focal Point for the European Defence Fund.

- Could you provide a brief overview of the Czech defence industry?

- The Czech defence industry has a long and distinguished heritage, dating back to the early days of industrial development. For instance, the renowned manufacturer of rugged trucks, TATRA, was founded in the 19th century, and ?eská Zbrojovka (CZ) is globally recognised for its legacy in firearms manufacturing.

However, our industry is not just about history—it is forward-looking, innovative, and increasingly global. Czech defence companies are strengthening their positions through strategic acquisitions. A few years ago, ?eská Zbrojovka acquired the well-known American firearms manufacturer Colt. More recently, Czechoslovak Group (CSG) completed a landmark $2 billion acquisition of Kinetic Group in the United States, bringing together leading small-arms ammunition brands such as Federal and Remington. CSG also owns Fiocchi Munizioni in Italy and FM Granada in Spain, a company with a legacy dating back to the gunpowder used on Christopher Columbus’s ships.

- What is the Czech defence industry’s approach to the Albanian market?

-The Czech defence industry sees Albania as an important partner and a key market, particularly within the broader effort to strengthen NATO’s and the EU’s industrial base. AOBP’s strategy is centred on fostering strong European and transatlantic industrial cooperation, and we firmly believe that this must include close collaboration with allies such as Albania.

Our ambition is not just to provide solutions but to actively contribute to Albania’s defence and security capabilities by sharing expertise, facilitating technology transfer, and assisting in building local industrial capacity. This is already reflected in the partnerships that Czech companies have established in Albania. For example, Compelson has a strong presence through its distributors, providing advanced forensic software.

Moreover, Czech companies are keen to explore further opportunities, including for investment into production in Albania. That is why we are here today, accompanying our Foreign Minister on this business mission. A key example is Sellier & Bellot, a traditional Czech ammunition manufacturer, which is assessing the feasibility of a licensed production in Albania. Czechoslovak Group (CSG) is looking into possibilities for production of propellants. Such interest of CZ companies reflects also our commitment to fostering domestic manufacturing and export.

?eská Zbrojovka, which already has successful joint production initiatives in countries such as Ukraine and Hungary, could serve as a model for potential collaborations with Albanian partners. Similarly, ERA, a Czech company with a strong reputation in Albania, is deploying its advanced surveillance systems to monitor airspace around Tirana and Vlora airports. ERA is also widely recognised in the defence sector for its VERA NG system, capable of detecting even so-called "invisible" aircraft.

ERA’s passive surveillance technology is complemented by the active radar systems of ELDIS, which will supply a new radar system for Tirana Airport, including advanced air traffic control software. Another key player is RETIA, which is represented at this forum by its local distributor.

Beyond traditional defence technologies, we also see opportunities for collaboration in emerging and disruptive technologies. Companies such as Phonexia and EO Security, both part of our business mission, are bringing innovative solutions to Albania’s security landscape.

Our presence in Albania underscores our ambition to be not just a supplier but a true partner in strengthening the country’s defence and security capabilities. By combining Czech technological expertise with Albania’s growing defence potential, we can build a sustainable, long-term partnership that benefits both sides. / ADN