The Ministry of Defense has officially declared its intention to fully utilize the entirety of the reserve military airport in Líně, near Plzeň, precluding any space for industrial endeavors. This decision comes in the wake of Volkswagen’s initial consideration of constructing a gigafactory on the site. Plzeň’s Mayor, Rudolf Špoták, confirmed this development, underlining the military’s desire to retain control over the entire area.

During a recent meeting at the Ministry of Defense, Mayor Špoták stressed the army’s commitment to occupying the entire space while assuring that a civilian airport would continue to operate in Líně. However, ongoing discussions are focused on determining the specific form and conditions under which the civilian operations will be sustained.

This strategic move effectively eliminates any room for industrial production in the Líně region. Mayor Špoták anticipates engaging in negotiations with the Ministry of Defense in the coming months to integrate this significant shift into the spatial development principles of the Plzeň Region.

While the outcome may not have surprised Špoták, he acknowledged the army’s forward-looking plans for new projects at the Líně airport. The military views this location as strategically important, serving as both a reserve area and a key site for potential future initiatives.

Addressing speculations, Miroslav Hlaváč, the first deputy chief of the Army’s General Staff, dismissed the possibility of hosting supersonic fighter jets, including F-35s, and clarified that there are no plans for establishing a base for new American helicopters at the Líně airport.

The decision to exclusively allocate the Líně airport for defense purposes aligns with the military’s broader vision and underscores its commitment to maintaining strategic control over essential locations. This move comes in the aftermath of Volkswagen’s decision to temporarily shelve its plans for a gigafactory on the site, marking a significant shift in the area’s development trajectory. The unfolding negotiations between local authorities and the Ministry of Defense will likely shape the future landscape of the Plzeň Region.

Article by Prague Forum