CSG Steps Into Drone Warfare With Launch of AviaNera Technologies
Czech defense giant CSG has launched AviaNera Technologies to spearhead its entry into the unmanned aerial systems market, uniting R&D, production, and sales under one roof as Europe races to close its drone gap.
Prague — The Czech defense conglomerate Czechoslovak Group (CSG) is entering the fast-evolving world of unmanned aerial systems with the launch of AviaNera Technologies a.s., a new company dedicated to the research, development, and production of advanced military drones and propulsion systems.
The move marks a decisive shift for CSG, owned by entrepreneur Michal Strnad, as the group seeks to position itself among Europe’s leading providers of high-tech defense solutions. Long known for its ammunition and armored vehicle production, CSG now intends to build a foothold in one of the defense industry’s most dynamic sectors — unmanned systems.
“Our goal is to become a major player in military UAS and advanced weapon systems. Just as we built a strong position in small-caliber ammunition, we now aim to achieve the same in high-tech defense technologies,” said Michal Strnad, CSG’s chief executive.
A New Pillar for CSG’s Aerospace Ambitions
AviaNera brings under one roof the full chain of development — from propulsion design to systems integration and commercialization. The company will work closely with Excalibur International, CSG’s global trading and project arm, giving it immediate access to international markets and government clients.
“From day one, CSG will deliver not just UAS solutions but complete systems developed and produced in-house — a game-changer for our customers,” said Miloš Šivara, Excalibur’s chief executive.
At the helm of AviaNera is Pavel Čechal, a veteran of the Czech aerospace sector and former executive director at PBS Group, a leading manufacturer of aircraft engines and turbine components. He said the company’s focus will be on vertical integration and next-generation propulsion — from jet and turbofan to shaft engines — with the ambition to make AviaNera a European hub for unmanned technologies.
The name “AviaNera” references Letňany, Prague’s historic aviation district, symbolizing a new chapter for Czech aerospace engineering.
Europe’s Drone Gap
Across Europe, the war in Ukraine has accelerated investment in drone programs and exposed critical gaps in domestic production. While countries such as Turkey and Israel dominate global exports, Europe’s defense sector has struggled to scale indigenous UAS manufacturing.
CSG’s entry could help change that. The group’s industrial depth, strong cash flow, and growing international footprint — with revenues surpassing €4 billion in 2024 and a backlog exceeding €11 billion — give it the means to compete.
AviaNera is already seeking strategic acquisitions and joint ventures across Europe and Ukraine, one of the world’s most active testbeds for military drones.
“A breakthrough period is coming in aviation,” said Čechal. “Missions once handled by manned aircraft will increasingly be performed by unmanned systems — the barriers now are regulatory, not technological.”
Positioning for the Next Battlefield
Defense analysts say the creation of AviaNera reflects a broader shift among European manufacturers toward autonomy and high-tech warfare. Drones have become indispensable in modern conflicts — from surveillance and reconnaissance to precision strikes — and demand is expected to soar as NATO states ramp up rearmament.
With AviaNera, CSG aims to move beyond its traditional strengths in ammunition and land systems to become a full-spectrum defense supplier, capable of delivering integrated UAS platforms and propulsion systems built entirely in Europe.
