Czech Volunteers Raise Over €1 Million for Drones in Ukraine

The fundraising effort concluded on March 22, during which the initiative accumulated a total of 25,086,587 Czech korunas (approximately €1 million) from 6,587 donors. The funds will be used to supply 25 MTS 40 'Divoká svině' drones, known for their advanced optical navigation systems that do not rely on GPS or remote control.

Each drone features a range of up to 600 kilometers and is powered by a gasoline engine capable of reaching speeds of 160 kilometers per hour. Typically outfitted with a thermobaric explosive warhead weighing up to 12 kilograms, these drones come with a launching catapult and munitions for effective deployment.

Martín Ondráček, the leader of the initiative, expressed gratitude to all contributors through social media, stating, 'We have just completed our fundraising for the 25 combat drones. Thank you for your assistance.' Following this successful campaign, the group is now launching a new fundraising drive with the goal of raising 15 million korunas for an additional 500 optical fiber drones, referred to as ‘Jan Žižka’.

These drones are manufactured in the Czech Republic, which has seen heightened support for Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities. Notably, the MTS 40 drones are produced by the Czech company LPP, which recently suffered a terrorist attack on March 20, resulting in significant damage.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with some leads pointing towards a possible Russian connection. The ongoing efforts by Czech volunteers underpin a growing grassroots movement in support of Ukraine, showcasing both humanitarian commitment and logistical contributions to the Ukrainian defense sector.

This initiative not only amplifies military support but also fosters international solidarity amidst the conflict, positioning Czech civil society as a key player in aiding Ukraine's sovereignty efforts.