Czech-US Defense and Security Forum

This event is by invitation only. 

This forum will bring together American and Czech officials, defense experts, and industry leaders in Washington, DC. Organized in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic and in partnership with the Czechoslovak Group, the event will explore United States–Czech defense and security cooperation. Discussions will focus on reindustrialization through Czech investments, defense procurement reform, supply chain resiliency, and the integration of innovative technologies.

Agenda

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Registration 

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Forum Opening

• John Walters, President and CEO, Hudson Institute
• Zbyněk Pavlačík, CEO and Cofounder, Jagello 2000

9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Czech Security and Defense Footprint in the United States

• Ambassador Tomáš Pojar, National Security Adviser, Czech Republic
• Kristýna Helm, Vice President and Deputy Executive Director, Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Understanding the Challenge: Reindustrializing the American Heartland

The panel will explore how these foreign defense partners can navigate the evolving US procurement environment shaped by shifting budget priorities and changing industrial policy. As US defense strategy emphasizes near-peer competition and innovation, European companies must adapt to legislative uncertainty, complex acquisition frameworks, and other factors. The discussion will also highlight how EU defense funding mechanisms can help Czech and American firms bolster transatlantic readiness.

• Radka Konderlová, Director General for Industrial Cooperation, Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic
• Lt. Gen. Leonard J. Kosinski, USAF (Ret.), Chief Strategy Officer, ASI
• Mislav Tolusic, Co–Managing Partner and CIO, Marlinspike
• Nadia Schadlow, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | The Prime Connection: Building Trust in the Defense Supply Chain

Panelists will examine how US defense primes operate, build supply chains, and engage with foreign partners. They will also think through solutions for Czech and European firms entering the US market, from teaming arrangements and manufacturing to cybersecurity and compliance. With strong manufacturing capabilities and skilled engineering talent, Czechia is well-positioned to grow its role in the US defense ecosystem—not only as a trusted supplier, but also as a source of VC-backed innovation and dual-use technologies aligned with allied priorities.

• Jan Jireš, PhD, Senior Advisor on Defence Policy and Industry, Czech Chamber of Commerce
• Marek Polčák, CEO, Vrgineers
• Katie Wheelbarger, Vice President for Global Program Support, Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Timothy A. Walton, Senior Fellow, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, Hudson Institute

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Engaging the Edge: Innovation, AI, and Disruptive Technologies in Defense

AI, autonomous systems, and other emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) are transforming the future of defense—and allied innovators are plugging into this shift. As the US sharpens its focus on cyber resilience, trusted supply chains, and next-generation capabilities, access to venture capital and fast-track innovation programs are creating new pathways for transatlantic collaboration. Panelists will discuss how Czechia—through its cybersecurity know-how, engineering talent, and growing startup ecosystem—can serve as a credible contributor to allied innovation networks.

• Brandon Tseng, President and Cofounder, Shield AI
• Michael Madsen, Vice President, Obviant
• Lorenz Meier, PhD, Cofounder and CEO, Auterion
• Jan Havránek, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the
  Czech Republic in Washington, DC

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Luncheon Keynote | Industrial Resilience in a Time of Global Conflict and Technological Disruption

• Vice Admiral Jeffrey Hughes, Deputy Chief of Staff, Capability Development, Headquarters Supreme Allied Command Transformation
• Peter Rough, Director, Center on Europe and Eurasia, Hudson Institute

2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Beyond the Horizon: Space as a Strategic Domain for Civilian and Military Integration

This panel will examine space as a fast-evolving arena of defense, diplomacy, and industrial innovation. As military and civilian space systems increasingly converge, allies must build resilient, interoperable architectures across communications, ISR, navigation, and launch. The discussion will highlight opportunities for Czechia within NATO and EU space initiatives, the country’s growing industrial footprint, and pathways to cooperation with US primes, satellite integrators, and institutional space actors.

• Sean Cantrell, Director of International Engagement, Vantor
• Jerry Javornicky, CEO and Cofounder, SpaceKnow
• Václav Kobera, Director of Space Activities and New Technologies, Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic
• Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and Director, Keystone Defense Initiative, Hudson Institute

3:45 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. | Closing Remarks

• Amb. Miloslav Stašek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States