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VOP: I’ve always been fascinated by tanks // Humans of NATO Days

After several years, the Military Repair Plant (VOP) returned to NATO Days in grand style – with a Leopard 2A4 tank, its own robotic vehicle, and a new role as integrator of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. In an interview with VOP spokesperson Rostislav Rožnovský, who has dreamed of tanks since childhood, he talks about his enthusiasm for military technology and pride in work that keeps the army running. What exactly does VOP do, how does it want to bring the defence industry closer to the public, and why did he choose PR in this particular field?

What is VOP’s main role within the Czech defence industry?
Our main role is to provide repairs, servicing, modernisation, and, to some extent, production of military equipment for the Czech Army. Put simply – when soldiers’ tanks break down, they come to VOP, and VOP repairs them.

And of those activities you’ve mentioned – repairs, modernisation, or development – which is your main focus? And on what type of military equipment?
Definitely servicing. Primarily servicing T-72 tanks, BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and most recently, producing the new Swedish CV90 armoured vehicles for the Czech Army. VOP is their main integrator, meaning we assemble them and then hand over the completed vehicles to the Czech Armed Forces.

How long has VOP been participating in NATO Days? How has your presentation evolved over time?
Well, that’s where we’ve fallen a bit behind. In the past, we took part in a major way, then it gradually faded out. This year, we’ve brought back a large-scale presentation. For us, NATO Days make sense because we’re a company from this region and we want to stay as close as possible to the Czech public.

What exactly are you presenting to visitors at this year’s NATO Days?
We’ve got the Czech Army’s Leopard 2A4 tank on display. We’re set to sign a contract with Rheinmetall for servicing these tanks in the near future, which is why the tank is showcased here. And we’ve also brought our own product, the TAROS Pyro – essentially a remote-controlled robotic vehicle used for analysing and detecting explosives.

And which of these would you say is the biggest draw for visitors?
Definitely the tank, because a tank is a massive steel machine – you can see it from afar and it always stands out. Personally, I’ve been fascinated by tanks since I was a child, and you can see that here too, because the tank is constantly surrounded by children.

Do you have a message for young people who would like to get involved in the defence industry or work directly at VOP?
I’d certainly encourage them not to be afraid of working in this field, because the defence industry is expanding and growing. As for VOP, I’d put it this way: it’s a team of enthusiasts who live and breathe for the company and are willing to do anything for it.

How did you personally end up at VOP? And were you drawn to military equipment from a young age?
I was always drawn to military equipment. When my mum used to tell me I had a mess “like in a tank”, I’d reply that it simply meant I was a tanker. So I’ve always been fascinated by tanks. And when I came across a job advert from VOP, the choice was obvious.

What motivates you personally to work in PR specifically within the defence industry?
Precisely the military equipment itself.

What does your typical working day look like?
Every day is a bit different, because there’s a lot to deal with – from media coverage and social media to events like this one. It also depends on the time of year. Of course, there’s the unavoidable administration, but the work isn’t monotonous. Marketing in the defence industry is a highly creative environment.

Is there something about your job that still excites or surprises you?
There’s a surprise every day, constantly. And what I enjoy most is the variety and the closeness to military topics.

Do you have a favourite moment or memory from NATO Days?
I remember a few years back, when the Germans brought the Leopard for the first time. I stood in that endless queue, I was incredibly excited to see it, and I’d never have imagined I’d have one on our stand a few years later. So when I was walking around yesterday and saw the German display, it felt like a small déjà vu.

And one last question – is there anything you would like to say to visitors of NATO Days?
I’m glad that NATO Days have remained in this region, that people from all over the country keep coming here, and that this amazing community continues. People keep meeting each other here, and that’s exactly what makes NATO Days so special.