Miroslav Hlaváč appointed new Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army

The Czech President has appointed Miroslav Hlaváč as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, effective from 1 July 2026. The official handover ceremony subsequently took place at the National Memorial on Prague's Vítkov Hill.

At Prague Castle on Tuesday, President Pavel appointed Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč as the new Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army. Hlaváč succeeds General Karel Řehka, who has led the armed forces over the past several years.

Following the appointment, an official ceremony was held at the National Memorial on Vítkov Hill, where Hlaváč symbolically assumed command from Řehka. Further changes within the army's leadership also take effect on 1 July. Major General Petr Čepelka becomes First Deputy Chief of the General Staff, while Brigadier General Petr Tománek succeeds him as Commander of the Czech Air Force.

Foto: Popovová Barbora | Armáda České republiky

The leadership change comes at a time of far-reaching transformation. According to the Ministry of Defence, the Czech Army is undergoing the most significant transformation since its establishment. In recent years, modernisation projects and strategic decisions have been launched that are expected to shape the armed forces for decades to come.

Karel Řehka led the army during a period in which perspectives on national defence and the security situation in Europe changed fundamentally. Under his leadership, key modernisation projects were initiated and new NATO capability targets were adopted. At the same time, defence became a more prominent topic in public debate.

During the ceremony, Řehka bid farewell to the army. He said that serving as a soldier had been a lifelong calling, a responsibility and at the same time a privilege. Hlaváč thanked his predecessor for leading the army during a particularly challenging period for European security.

In his first speech as Chief of the General Staff, Hlaváč stressed that the coming years would be decisive in turning strategic decisions into concrete military capabilities. His priorities include continuing key modernisation projects, strengthening air defence, building a heavy brigade, introducing new technologies, and further improving command, control and operational readiness.

Hlaváč also highlighted the importance of personnel. While modern equipment is essential, he said the army's true strength lies in well-trained, motivated and determined soldiers.

In addition to the President, the official handover ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defence, senior constitutional representatives, former Chiefs of the General Staff, representatives of the security forces, foreign guests and other public figures.

Following the leadership change, the strategic direction of the Czech Army remains unchanged: the goal is to build modern, operationally ready and reliable armed forces capable of defending the Czech Republic and contributing, together with its allies, to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area.