A powerful explosion rocked the Poličské strojíren industrial complex in eastern Czech Republic on March 25, 2025, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The incident at the munitions manufacturer, a key supplier to Ukraine’s military, has raised questions about security and potential sabotage as investigations continue a year later.
The blast occurred shortly before 9 a.m. In a hall used for the production of large-caliber ammunition for artillery and tanks, according to STV Group, the company operating the facility. “There was ignition and subsequent explosion of a technological device for melting projectiles,” the company stated.
Following the explosion, a complex and dangerous operation to extinguish the resulting fire began. Rescuers deployed armored vehicles to protect themselves from potential further explosions within the extensive munitions and repair complex.
STV Group immediately reported that the event, which halted production and injured one worker, was “probably” caused by a technical malfunction. “For safety reasons, production was interrupted throughout the entire area. Approximately 740 people were evacuated from the site, and nearly 90 more were evacuated from nearby buildings,” the company said at the time.
Investigation Continues a Year Later
One year later, the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, and police are still investigating. “In this matter, we are still awaiting expert opinions and an expert report. This means that the case is still being investigated,” said Markéta Janovská, a spokesperson for the Pardubice police. The explosion is being investigated as a case of general endangerment due to negligence, with estimated damages around 120 million Czech crowns (approximately $5.2 million).
The Czech Mining Authority is also investigating the circumstances of the explosion at Poličské strojíren, but is awaiting findings from the police. “We are still waiting for the conclusions of the Police of the Czech Republic. Until then, we cannot close the case or provide any further information in this matter,” said Jiří Fröhlich, a spokesperson for the authority.
The explosion damaged the production line for artillery ammunition and the technology for casting cartridges. According to Pavel Beran, director of special projects at STV Group, a trial run in the newly built and modern facility is expected to begin by the end of April 2026.
Drone Activity and Security Concerns
The explosion led to questions about whether it was a deliberate act, potentially linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. STV Group has been a long-term supplier of arms to the Ukrainian military. This speculation was fueled by reports of drone activity near the facility in the days leading up to the incident.
According to a report by the weekly Respekt, four drones were observed hovering over the munitions and repair complex on Bořiny on March 19, 2025 – six days before the explosion. The drones reportedly surveyed the area for more than an hour after sunset.
Although police launched a search, the drone operators were not found. Whereas the activity was reported by security personnel, authorities have not been able to confirm a connection between the drones and the March 25 explosion.
“The police investigation into last year’s event has not yet been completed, and therefore it is not appropriate for us to comment on its progress or specific investigative versions. But, we do not anticipate that foreign involvement will be proven, let alone in connection with the information publicized about drones,” said Pavel Beran of STV Group.
Recent Attack on Another Czech Arms Manufacturer
Approximately one hour’s drive from Bořiny is an industrial area in Pardubice. On March 20, 2026, a weapons company belonging to LPP Holding was broken into and set on fire. This company also supplies defense technology to Ukraine. The incident underscores the heightened security risks facing Czech arms manufacturers.
“In response to increased risks, our company has implemented additional security measures. These measures include strengthening physical security, more intensive monitoring of facilities, and stricter control of access for people, and vehicles. All employees have also been instructed to be extremely vigilant,” said Pavel Beran, describing STV Group’s response to the attack.
An international underground group claiming responsibility for the Pardubice attack stated that the target was chosen due to the company’s ties to Israel, specifically its alleged collaboration with Elbit Systems. However, the Czech weapons manufacturer stated that this cooperation never materialized in Pardubice, though LPP did cooperate with Ukrainian companies on the production of optical devices.
Police have arrested and charged three people in connection with the – potentially terrorist – act in the Czech Republic. Two of those arrested are closely linked to the pro-Palestinian movement, and the third is an American woman apprehended in Slovakia. Investigators are still considering the possibility of Russian influence behind the attack, potentially initiating the actions of the pro-Palestinian group, but recent developments suggest a primarily anti-Israel motive.
Prior to police confirming the arrests on Tuesday afternoon, the alleged international underground group issued an ultimatum. They demanded that LPP Holding issue a statement by April 20, 2026, “ending cooperation with Elbit Systems and condemning the occupation of Palestine,” or they would publish documents stolen from the building before it was set ablaze.
According to information from the daily Aktuálně.cz, however, the documents are not classified materials, but rather technical documentation for radios from the technicians’ locker room.
