Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: A long history and a range of expertise in the industry may be a fit for Wisconsin aerospace companies.
The Czech Republic has its eye on space.
In a country of 10.9 million people, more than 15,000 workers are employed in the aerospace industry. With cutting-edge research, basic production, and aircraft assembly, the Czech Republic has long been a significant presence in the industry.
Czech companies produce light and ultralight aircraft, planes for agricultural use and for regional flights, training and light combat aircraft, and aerospace components.
The Czech Republic is one of only nine countries able to manufacture an aircraft completely within its own territory, and one of seven that can develop and produce aircraft engines, the government says. Czech companies also supply components to global aircraft producers, such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, and the Sikorsky helicopter company.
The European Union’s Space Program Agency has its headquarters in the Czech capital of Prague, where it monitors the Galileo global navigation satellite system, and the agency operates incubators in Prague and Brno to support innovative aerospace startups. About 50 of the young companies already are active.
The Czech aerospace cluster was established in 2010. More recently, the government introduced a National Space Plan 2020-25 to further develop the industry’s capacity and competitiveness. In 2024, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S.-based Axiom Space to lay the groundwork for Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to participate in a future space mission.
Wisconsin companies can benefit from the growing Czech aerospace industry through collaborations in areas such as drone technology, satellite components, and aircraft parts. The Czech Republic offers opportunities for research, development, and manufacturing, supported by international partnerships.
Related Posts
