PBS Velká Bíteš: Strategic-Technological Role in European Defense Autonomy and UAV Propulsion
Nestled in the Czech industrial heartland, PBS Velká Bíteš has quietly become a linchpin of Europe’s high-tech aerospace sector. Known formally as První brněnská strojírna Velká Bíteš (PBS VB), this 75-year-old engineering firm develops the compact jet engines and power units propelling Europe’s latest drones and missiles[1][2]. Its unassuming origins belie a cutting-edge portfolio that spans turbine propulsion, precision casting, and cryogenic systems. Today, PBS’s turbojet engines empower unmanned aircraft and long-range strike systems for NATO allies, exemplifying European ingenuity in defense. The company’s collaborations—from partnering with MBDA on a next-generation cruise missile to co-developing advanced jet auxiliaries with a U.S. aerospace giant—underline its strategic value. As Europe pursues greater strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty, PBS Velká Bíteš stands out as a mid-cap innovator at the crossroads of transatlantic cooperation and European self-reliance, making it a compelling subject for strategic-technological analysis.