Vondra: army faces civilian and command layoffs

Defence Minister Alexandr Vondra said Wednesday that the army would face layoffs in the coming year in both civilian and command structures. Mr Vondra told army commanders that the changes would not amount to a revolution in the army’s structure, and that its constitutional and international duties would be met. Whereas former reductions have been across the board and random he said, the cuts to come would be coordinated so as to better prepare for their impact. He said he also wants to change the plan for airspace protection and reconsider the army’s use of Gripen fighter jets and a number of airports.