Česká zbrojovka (CZ), traditionally known for firearms, is rapidly expanding into the development and production of turboshaft engines for unmanned aerial vehicles, including fighter and heavy-lift drones. The company’s subsidiary,AviaNera,is at the forefront of this diversification,targeting a billion-crown annual revenue stream from drone engine sales as early as next year.
This strategic shift positions CZ to capitalize on the growing global demand for advanced drone technology, particularly in defence and commercial sectors. The move reflects a broader trend of arms manufacturers diversifying into related technologies, and underscores the increasing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare and logistics. The company anticipates significant growth in this new business area, potentially reshaping its revenue profile and market position.
According to an interview with David Chour, Operations Director of CSG – the parent group of Česká zbrojovka and AviaNera – published on E15 on 2024/05/09, the company is actively building its capabilities in drone engine production. The focus includes the MTS70 turboshaft engine, designed for a range of UAV applications.
Chour indicated the company expects to generate a billion crowns annually from this venture starting in 2025. This expansion is driven by the increasing demand for reliable and powerful engines for both military and civilian drones. AviaNera’s development efforts are geared towards providing solutions for both smaller and larger unmanned aircraft, including those requiring considerable payload capacity.
