LPP Statement on the Security Incident of 20 March 2026

LPP firmly rejects any suggestion that it underestimated or breached its statutory security obligations in connection with the recent arson attack of 20 March. As a technology company, we invest tens of millions of Czech crowns each year in physical and cyber security, as our IT systems face thousands of attacks on a daily basis.

Extensive modernisation is currently under way at the Pardubice facility of the former T-CZ, a.s., which was acquired by LPP Holding approximately two years ago. This historic site has a tradition dating back to 1919. Our aim is to build on and further develop the long-standing technological and industrial heritage of this part of Pardubice through modern manufacturing and through the development of our advanced technologies and highly innovative solutions for military, security and civilian applications alike.

Owing to the ongoing construction works, which require the delivery of materials to the site, part of the fencing on the inner side of our property boundary adjacent to another company has not yet been completed. In view of this, we relocated the production of military systems to another, more secure site. The premises affected by the attack did not house the production of Elbit Systems’ Israeli drones, nor the production of our MTS drones. No weapons systems, explosives or other sensitive military material were manufactured there. The affected premises were used for the production and modernisation of railway radio systems, as well as for administrative and warehouse support and the assembly of Archer LPP optoelectronic equipment.

The security measures in place at the site were set in accordance with the applicable legislation of the Czech Republic and the relevant standards. The buildings were equipped with an extensive CCTV system, electronic security systems, including motion detection, door-opening detection and fire protection systems, and a connection to a 24/7 monitoring centre. In addition, regular physical inspections were carried out, including shortly before the incident itself.

LPP has long been subject to inspections by the competent state authorities in relation to the handling of security material and complies with all statutory requirements, including appropriate safeguarding pursuant to Section 6(3)(b) of Act No. 229/2013 Coll. We are cooperating fully with the law enforcement authorities, have strengthened security at the site, and stand ready to implement further measures in light of the outcome of the investigation.

We must reject simplistic interpretations suggesting that the unfinished section of fencing was the cause of the incident. It is already clear that this was not an ordinary criminal act, but a security incident of a more serious nature. Private entities do not have the corresponding legal or operational tools to counter organised violent attacks. In our view, a number of public statements are shifting what is fundamentally an expert security issue into the political sphere. Such an approach does not help to calm the situation or improve security. On the contrary, it may unintentionally send signals that are counterproductive from a security perspective, including information about the impact of the attack and the way in which it is being perceived.

The security of the defence industry cannot be regarded as a purely private matter for individual companies. The defence industry is an integral part of the country’s defence capability, and its protection is a matter of national security. To expect companies to face organised attacks on their own is, in effect, to require them to assume the role of the state. In our view, the debate should focus on how to put in place a system capable of preventing similar incidents in future. The current situation raises the question of the systematic protection of the defence industry, including consideration of whether such facilities should be designated as strategically protected entities.

A strong defence industry is a key pillar of national security. If we are to strengthen our security, then, in our view, the state and industry should operate as partners rather than adversaries. We are convinced that the present situation calls for a measured, fact-based and coordinated response.