Fire at Czech AI drone factory supplying Ukraine suspected as terrorist attack
A fire broke out at a warehouse belonging to Czech defense company LPP Holding in Pardubice, which produces autonomous AI-powered drone attack systems for Ukraine. Czech authorities are investigating the incident as a suspected terrorist attack, with the interior minister confirming a probable link to terrorism, reportedly after a group protesting Israeli weapons claimed responsibility.
What happened
A fire broke out at a warehouse belonging to LPP Holding in Pardubice, approximately 120 kilometers east of Prague, with flames spreading from a storage hall to a second building.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis stated the fire 'is being investigated as an act of terrorism,' and Interior Minister Lubomir Metnar confirmed 'a probable link with a terrorist attack.'
A protest group claiming responsibility reportedly linked the incident to weapons manufacturing for Israel, though LPP Holding denied ever producing drones for Israel or implementing planned collaboration with Israeli firm Elbit Systems.
Reported impact
LPP Holding produces the MTS autonomous drone attack system, including the MTS40 variant with 600 km flight range and 12 kg explosive payload, which has been tested in combat on Ukrainian fronts.
Governance controls
Czech authorities are conducting a formal investigation treating the incident as a suspected terrorist attack.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.