Czech police and defence firm LPP are investigating a deliberate fire at a Pardubice factory that makes drones for Ukraine and are probing a possible Russian link. An anti-Israel group has claimed responsibility by email, but authorities say other motives are also being examined. The blaze damaged production facilities and stored goods about 120 km east of Prague, yet LPP said the planned delivery of 40 attack drones to Ukraine was not affected.
Czech Authorities Probe Possible Russian Link After Fire At Pardubice Drone Factory
A firetruck stands in front of a burned production hall at an industrial area in Pardubice, Czech Republic, March 20, 2026. REUTERS/David W Cerny
PRAGUE, March 23 (Reuters) - Czech police and LPP, a defence firm that manufactures drones for Ukraine, are investigating a fire at a factory in Pardubice for possible links to Russian interests, the company said on Monday.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are treating the blaze that broke out on Friday as a deliberate attack after Czech media outlets received emails from a group opposing the production of weapons for Israel claiming responsibility. Police said they are examining several motives, and LPP said it is cooperating with investigators.
"Although an anti-Israel group has claimed responsibility for the attack, we, together with the police, are also examining other possible motives, including a potential Russian link," LPP said in a statement.
Damage, Deliveries and Allegations
The fire damaged production facilities and stored goods at the site about 120 km (75 miles) east of Prague. LPP said the incident did not disrupt the planned delivery of 40 attack drones to Ukraine.
FILE PHOTO: Police officers and a firefighters stand in front of a burned production hall at an industrial area in Pardubice, Czech Republic, March 20, 2026. REUTERS/David W Cerny/File Photo
LPP also stated it does not produce equipment for Israel and has no cooperation with Israeli defence company Elbit Systems, noting that cooperation plans announced in 2023 did not materialise.
Czech daily Mlada Fronta Dnes cited sources saying preliminary information suggests the company's drone production for Ukraine may have been the true target, with an anti-Israel claim used as a cover. Police declined to comment specifically on the suggested Russian connection.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, has routinely denied accusations of carrying out hybrid attacks in EU countries, calling such claims baseless and motivated by Russophobia. The probe in Pardubice is ongoing.
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