The Czech Ministry of the Interior has failed to meet long-standing modernization goals for the Police of the Czech Republic’s aviation service, according to a report by the Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ). Auditors found that the ministry failed to procure at least three light helicopters and two heavy-capacity transport helicopters required for emergency services and tactical unit deployment, despite designating the upgrades as a priority for years. While the ministry spent 1,3 miliardy korun on the aviation service between 2021 and 2025, 97 percent of those funds went toward routine operating expenses rather than new equipment.
Did You Know? The main police hangar at Prague-Ruzyně has been in a state of emergency for 20 years. Despite the Supreme Audit Office first flagging the site as a threat to both equipment and human life in 2006, the Ministry of the Interior has relied solely on minor, temporary repairs rather than completing a planned reconstruction or new build.
Why the modernization delay matters
The lack of new aircraft directly limits the police’s operational capacity, the NKÚ report states. The aviation service currently operates 15 helicopters with an average age of 20 years, with some units in service for more than 32 years. Because the ministry did not purchase the planned light helicopters in 2018, the service remains unable to provide full 24-hour readiness or expanded night-flight capabilities, as only one of its current helicopters is equipped for night operations.
The absence of heavy-capacity helicopters also complicates high-stakes police interventions. Current machines are limited to a maximum of 13 passengers and a five-ton payload, making it impossible to transport an entire special unit in a single flight. The audit office cited the 2015 intervention against an active shooter in Uherský Brod, where eight people were killed, as an example of a situation where the current fleet requires two separate helicopters to transport a single tactical team.
Expert Insight: The disconnect between the ministry’s stated strategic priorities and its actual spending patterns highlights a systemic failure in long-term procurement. While the successful acquisition of 70 drones demonstrates that the ministry can effectively manage smaller-scale technology investments, the repeated deferral of critical infrastructure—like the hangar and heavy-lift helicopters—suggests that the agency is stuck in a cycle of short-term maintenance that compromises the long-term readiness of its special units.
What may happen next
The ministry has initiated a tender for 11 light helicopters with a delivery deadline of 2030. However, the NKÚ noted that according to the aviation service’s own development plans, this procurement process should have been initiated in 2023 with contracts signed a year later. Given these delays, it is possible that the service will continue to face restricted operational capabilities for several more years. Observers may expect continued pressure on the ministry to finalize these procurements to avoid further slippage toward the 2030 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Ministry of the Interior spend its aviation budget effectively?
According to the NKÚ, the ministry spent its budget for police drones effectively. However, 97 percent of the 1,3 miliardy korun spent between 2021 and 2025 was consumed by routine operating costs, leaving only a small portion of funds for investments like training simulators and drones.
Why is the police hangar in Prague considered a safety risk?
The Supreme Audit Office has classified the hangar as being in a state of emergency for two decades. The office warned in 2006 that the building’s condition threatens both the stored police equipment and human lives, yet the ministry has only performed temporary repairs.
How many helicopters are currently available for night operations?
The police aviation service has only one helicopter capable of flying at night. The lack of additional aircraft has prevented the service from meeting its established goal of providing full 24-hour emergency readiness.
How will the current equipment shortages affect the police’s ability to respond to future large-scale emergencies?
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