On 5 and 6 February 2026, the University of Defence welcomed military attachés from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Slovakia, who delivered expert lectures within the 44th General Staff Course at the Centre for Security and Military Strategic Studies as part of the course Regional Studies. The lectures focused on the topic “Defence Policy of Selected NATO Countries” in the context of the current security situation in Europe and selected regions.

The expert lectures, including the subsequent discussion, were attended by Colonel Robert B. Padgett, Military Attaché at the Embassy of the United States; Colonel Jonathan Kitson, Defence Attaché at the Embassy of the United Kingdom; Colonel Stéphane Kayser, Military Attaché at the Embassy of France; and Brigadier General Branislav Benka, Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Slovakia.

Each speaker familiarised the participants of the General Staff Course with the main principles of their country’s National Security and Defence Strategy. The lecturers also addressed the structure and modernisation of their armed forces, including equipment, as well as collective defence in the Euro-Atlantic area and current issues in international security relations. They emphasised that the foundations of stability and security—not only in our region—are international cooperation, solidarity, and adherence to international law.

The lectures were highly engaging and thought-provoking, offering the audience a wealth of new and valuable information.

Author: Ing. Yvona Novotná, Ph.D.

Photos: Ing. Viktor Sliva, Ing. Yvona Novotná, Ph.D.