The Czech Republic Ministry of Defence has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence to form a single military unit, in a bid to strengthen mutual cooperation between the two nations.

The agreement was signed by Czech Republic Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky and German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen.

The current agreement is in line with Nato’s Framework Nations Concept, which aims to develop and support operational formations with new defence capabilities.

The single military unit of the two European countries will comprise the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade from Czech Republic and the 10th Armoured Division of Bundeswehr in Germany.

The two army divisions will participate in frequent joint training programmes, which will help enhance interoperability and communication between the two countries.

“The document confirms our resolution to create more intensive joint training scenarios and, at the same time, share our knowledge and experiences."

The cooperation will also focus on the procurement of material, systems and equipment to enhance force protection, signals, command and control and medical support.

Martin Stropnicky said: “The document confirms our resolution to create more intensive joint training scenarios and, at the same time, share our knowledge and experiences.

“Germany is one of our key strategic partners both inside and outside the Nato region.”

While conducting the mutual training exercises, the soldiers of the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade will continue to operate under the Czech national command.

Image: Martin Stropnicky signs deal with Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: courtesy of Czech Ministry of Defence.