The cooperation was established through the initiative and support of the Industrial Cooperation Section of the Ministry of Defense, which has long been assisting in the implementation of key projects and connecting domestic and international partners with the aim of strengthening the innovative potential of the Czech defense industry.
“PBS GROUP is a unique company both in the Czech Republic and globally. Its cooperation with RTX, one of the largest companies in the defense industry, is not only proof of PBS's capabilities, but also a testament to the strength of Czech industry as a whole. The project between PBS and Pratt & Whitney will significantly increase the competence and capacity of Czech industry, which is essential for ensuring security of supply in crisis situations," said Radka Konderlová, Director General For Industrial Cooperation at the Czech Ministry of Defense & Armed Forces.
APUs are compact engines that start the main engine and provide electrical power and compressed air to support aircraft systems – such as air for cabin temperature control, powering and cooling for avionics and emergency power to re-start the main engines in-flight. “PBS is one of only four companies in the world authorized to develop and certify civil APUs. Our goal is to develop a new generation of APUs – smaller, lighter, and more powerful – that will bring new capabilities to both military and commercial aviation,” said Milan Macholán, CEO of PBS Velká Bíteš.
The next-generation APU is projected to have the highest power density on the market, delivering maximum performance at a reduced form factor and weight, driving new capabilities for fixed-wing and helicopter platforms. “The new generation of aircraft needs a new generation of APUs – more compact, more powerful, and lighter,” added Steven Michael Shepro, Vice President of Pratt & Whitney.
Havránek will lead the company's engagement with the U.S. government, Congress, NATO, and allied governments from Washington, D.C., as PBS Aerospace significantly expands its manufacturing capacity in the United States.
$3 Million OTA Contract Marks Company’s First Publicly Disclosed U.S. Government Prime Award and Strengthens Its Role as a Direct Industrial Partner to the U.S. Air Force Roswell, GA – March 18, 2026 – PBS Aerospace, a member of the PBS GROUP and the leading manufacturer of precision made turbojet engines purpose-built for the modern battlefield, today announced it has been awarded a $3 million prime contract with the U.S. Air Force through an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) mechanism. The contract supports efforts to provide reliable propulsion systems that meet the affordability targets and production demands of the Family of Affordable Mass Munitions (FAMM) and other active U.S. Air Force programs.
PBS Aerospace, a member of PBS GROUP, the leading manufacturer of precision-made turbojet engines purpose-built for the modern battlefield, today announced it has signed a significant subcontract agreement with Zone 5 Technologies, Inc.. The agreement is valued at several tens of millions of dollars.
Get insights into our technological innovations, key projects and trade fairs straight to your inbox.