Fires & Effects 2023

The first ever Czech Artillery conference Fires & Effects 2023 was held with the aim of bringing together experts from the artillery branch, the defense industry, and research institutions. The program drew on current experiences of artillery deployment in Ukraine and addressed key issues such as the introduction of groundbreaking technologies, the digitalization of fire support, operational reach beyond 40 km, and new approaches to artillery logistics. Participants also discussed the possibilities of using artificial intelligence in decision-making processes, including the ethical and legal aspects of AI deployment in combat operations.

Attendees

Artillery Experts from the Czech Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence

  1. Brig. gen. Mgr. Petr Milčický, Ph.D., MSc (Director of Force Development Section, Ministry of Defence)
  • Provided a comprehensive insight into military capability development and shared leadership and planning insights.
  1. Plk. gšt. Ing. Marcel Křenek (Force Development Section, General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces)
  • Outlined the future capabilities of Czech artillery in light of insights gained from the conflict in Ukraine.
  1. Mjr. Ing. Jan Ivan, Ph.D. (University of Defence)
  • Presented on the combat deployment of artillery and discussed modernization projects, particularly the 155mm CAESAR 8×8 CZ self-propelled howitzer and the ADLER III CZ Fire Control System.
  1. Mjr. Ing. Michal Peterek (53rd Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Regiment)
  • Focused on the use of drones—from detection and identification to methods of neutralization.
  1. Ing. Martin Šufajzl (Armaments and Acquisitions Section, Ministry of Defence)
  • Shared experiences with the rearmament projects of Czech artillery and the planning of acquisition processes.

Defense Industry Representatives

  • Ing. Filip Mikas, Ph.D. (Saab Technologies)
  • Described trends in the development of artillery radar systems, building on insights from the Ukrainian battlefield.
  • Ing. Ivo Strejček (STV GROUP)
  • Spoke about the role of the defense industry in the national economy and projects such as the production of 155mm ammunition for CAESAR 8×8 CZ howitzers.

Research and Academic Institutions

  • Prof. Ing. Jan Holub, Ph.D. (Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague)
  • Presented the use of artificial intelligence on the battlefield (e.g., in acoustic reconnaissance and fire control) and addressed ethical dilemmas related to lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS).
  • Vlastimil Šlouf (RETIA, a.s. and the University of Defence)
  • Covered technical solutions and data analysis within automated artillery fire control systems.

Event Outcomes

  1. Fires & Effects 2023 – Results
  • During this year’s conference, 6 projects involving DefSec were submitted to various international and national funding calls.
  • Cooperation was initiated between the artillery community and teams at CTU, enhancing the development and application of advanced technologies in artillery.
  1. Reflections on the War in Ukraine
  • Participants noted the critical importance of artillery in the dynamics of contemporary conflicts. Practical experiences from Ukraine confirmed the necessity for modernization, adaptation, and rapid innovation.
  1. Digitalization and Autonomy
  • A major focus was the implementation of smart munitions, automation, and advanced sensor systems (particularly drones and modern radars). Discussions also highlighted the importance of robust logistical and data support.
  1. Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Issues
  • There was increased interest in AI for fire control and acoustic reconnaissance. At the same time, experts questioned how far autonomous AI decision-making should be permitted when lethal means are involved.
  1. Role of the Defense Industry
  • Company representatives explained how they can swiftly respond to the needs of the Czech Armed Forces in crisis situations, including models of a wartime economy and an emphasis on manufacturing flexibility (e.g., 155mm ammunition).
  1. Synergy Between the Military, Academia, and Industry
  • The conference confirmed that close cooperation among these sectors speeds up innovation, strengthens the exchange of know-how, and creates space for effective responses to future artillery challenges.

Through the exchange of views and the sharing of the latest insights, the Fires & Effects conference format once again underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. As the Chief of Czech Artillery, Colonel Ing. Marcel Křenek, emphasized, linking the military, scientific, and industrial spheres is crucial for successfully addressing current and future threats and challenges in the artillery domain.

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