The “14. Oktobar” factory from Kruševac, once a symbol of Serbia’s industrial development, is today part of a global industrial and technological network thanks to its 2017 acquisition by the Czech Czechoslovak Group (CSG). This move was a key step for CSG in expanding its presence in the Balkans and modernizing Serbia’s defense industry. In recent years, the factory has been revitalized through significant investments in equipment, employee training, and production process reorganization. It has since become an integral part of the global supply chain for sophisticated military and industrial components. During a four-day visit to the Czech Republic, we had the opportunity to see firsthand how CSG operates and how some of its key production lines deliver products to nearly every continent.
Czechoslovak Group, owned by Michal Strnad, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. From a local company, it has grown into a global leader in defense, mobility, aviation, ammunition, and industrial engineering. With production and development facilities in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Spain, India, Serbia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, CSG employs more than 14,000 people across 37 production sites. Its business is organized into five main sectors: CSG Defence, CSG Ammo+, CSG Aerospace, CSG Mobility, and CSG Business Projects. Thanks to strong organic growth and strategic acquisitions, such as the takeover of the American Kinetic Group, the company achieved consolidated revenues of €4 billion in 2024—an increase of 131% compared to the previous year.
Notably, the CSG Defence division alone generated €3.3 billion in 2024, with large-caliber ammunition accounting for about two-thirds of that amount, reinforcing CSG Defence’s role as the group’s driving force.
As part of a media study trip, we visited CSG’s headquarters in Prague and several of its subsidiaries. From the moment you enter the headquarters, it is clear that this is not just an industrial conglomerate, but a technological group shaping the future of manufacturing.
We were also presented with the group’s financial results, which revealed that net profit rose to over €526.1 million—a 202% increase compared to 2023—while the total value of contracts in CSG’s portfolio exceeded €11 billion. We also learned that Europe accounted for 43.5% of the group’s revenues, while the United States contributed 6.7%.
Through discussions with management representatives, we gained insights into the implementation of artificial intelligence in business processes. AI is used in analyzing production flows, optimizing resources, and predictive maintenance of equipment. The system collects real-time data and suggests solutions to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Moreover, much of CSG’s management comes from engineering backgrounds, adding technical depth to every strategic decision the group makes.
Eldis – Radars Covering the World
One of our stops was Eldis, a company from Pardubice specializing in civil and military radar systems. During the tour, we saw the complex production of advanced radars exported worldwide, including to India and Vietnam. What stands out at Eldis is that more than 90% of components are produced in-house, giving them full control over quality and security protocols.
Their radars are used in air traffic control as well as in military applications. One model features Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, which significantly enhances accuracy and resistance to jamming. Company leaders also told us about ongoing recruitment and preparations for even greater export capacity, positioning Eldis among the fastest-growing players in the sector.
An Unforgettable Ride in Military Vehicles
A highlight of the trip was a visit to Tatra Trucks in Kopřivnice, one of the most famous Czech brands. Tatra is synonymous with robustness and military mobility, with vehicles known for their unique backbone tube chassis and independent suspension, enabling exceptional off-road performance in extreme conditions.
We toured production halls—from welding to final assembly—and even rode in military vehicles on test tracks simulating diverse terrains. Driving through water, forest paths, and steep inclines left a lasting impression of the quality and durability of Tatra trucks. The visit was a powerful reminder of the central role of engineering in the defense industry.
Special attention was given to the Pandur II 8×8 EVO armored vehicle, produced by sister company Tatra Defence Vehicle. The Pandur represents a new generation of modular combat vehicles that can be configured for different purposes—ranging from infantry transport to command and medical versions. It is equipped with modern protection systems, high-level ballistic resistance, and the option to integrate remotely operated weapon stations. The vehicle was showcased at IDET 2025, underscoring its importance in CSG’s future international offerings.
Excalibur Army – CSG’s Strategic Exporter
Excalibur Army, another member of Czechoslovak Group, specializes in the development, production, and modernization of land-based military equipment—from combat and engineering vehicles to artillery systems and ammunition. Founded in 1995, the company today operates modern production facilities in Přelouč, Šternberk, and Olomouc. During our visit to the Olomouc site, we witnessed the high technical precision and organization of its production and overhaul processes.
The company manufactures vehicles such as the DITA self-propelled howitzer, the modernized DANA M2, and RM-70 Vampire multiple rocket launchers. In addition, Excalibur upgrades and refurbishes older T-72 tanks and IFVs, while providing comprehensive logistical support throughout the equipment’s life cycle.
The focus of the company is on reliability and export capability. Excalibur delivers turnkey solutions, including training, technical support, and after-sales service. The visit provided insight into all stages of production—from welding chassis to final testing—confirming why Excalibur is one of the cornerstones of CSG’s defense division.
The entire journey through the CSG ecosystem left a strong impression of the synergy between tradition and innovation. In every segment—from radars to military vehicles and logistics—it is clear that the group is committed to detail, investment in people and technology, and strategic diversification. Rarely does one get the chance to see firsthand how Europe’s technological future looks in the industrial sector, and how a conglomerate successfully integrates national brands into the global market without compromising on quality. Based on everything observed and analyzed, CSG stands out as one of the most fascinating examples of building long-term value in today’s economy.
Source: BizLife
Photos: Property of CSG Group
