Czech aerospace and engineering specialist PBS Velka Bites has announced plans to double its production over the next year.
The objective, announced on 23 October 2023, came about in light of increased demand for engines for cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These are primarily supplied to the United States and NATO countries as well as selected countries in Southeast Asia. Missiles with engines produced by PBS are also deployed in the conflict in Ukraine.
“Indeed, we understand the current strong demand of the independent democratic world for security and defence solutions,” said Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová during a visit to the company on 20 October. “That is why we are reacting and planning to double our production in the very near future. Our presence in the market of engines used in defence systems will get significantly stronger, particularly in our key markets such as the United States and Europe.
As production doubles there will also be a subsequent increase in the workforce at the PBS manufacturing plant over the coming years.
PBS Velka Bites also foresees growth in other segments of its operations and production, such as the development of components for aircraft, helicopters and unmanned vehicles. As a response the company’s strategy will include close co-operation with globally important European and US partners, as well as with Ukraine, which will result in the development of new solutions that meet customers’ requirements. That will involve areas such as the production of auxiliary power units for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, where PBS Velka Bites is one of only four companies in the world with civil EASA certification.
“Based on my visit I have no doubts that PBS Velka Bites rightfully belongs among the strategic companies of the Czech aerospace industry and is at the same time an important partner when fulfilling our defence obligations,” said Černochová during her visit. “PBS is involved in numerous key defence projects and is a significant player for major defence aerospace manufacturers, particularly in the USA and Europe. I was pleased to learn about their current production as well as future plans, which signify that the competitiveness of the Czech Republic within the aerospace and defence industry will get stronger.”
However, the recent success of PBS Group has also brought challenges in the form of cyber and commercial attacks.
“These are attempts to penetrate the company’s internal systems or attempts to discredit the company or even to buy it out,” PBS Velka Bites CEO Milan Macholán explained. “We have identified this negative trend, especially in connection with our increased deliveries to aid Ukraine.
“Fortunately, we can rely on the trust and support of various institutions, both in the Czech Republic and on the international stage,” he added.
