Czech Probe Suspects Arson at Site Tied to Israeli Defense Firm

Czech authorities are investigating a fire at an industrial facility in Pardubice as a suspected arson attack potentially linked to terrorism, following a claim of responsibility by a group protesting ties to Israeli weapons production.

The blaze broke out overnight Thursday into Friday at a storage hall in an industrial complex in Pardubice, about 100 kilometers east of Prague. Firefighters extinguished the flames, which spread to an adjacent administrative building, but no injuries were reported. Police and security services have classified the incident under the criminal code's terrorism provisions, with initial assessments pointing to deliberate ignition.

LPP Holding, a Czech defense company with operations at the site, confirmed the fire damaged one of its buildings and stated it is fully cooperating with investigators. The firm develops drone technologies for civilian and military applications, including equipment supplied to Ukraine's armed forces amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. In 2023, LPP announced plans to establish a center for drone development and personnel training in partnership with Israel's Elbit Systems, a major military technology provider.