The Czech Republic’s only jet engine manufacturer is doubling its production and planning to acquire another company to meet increasing demand. PBS Group, a major producer of aerospace equipment, is expanding its facilities in response to global security concerns and rising demand for advanced jet engines.
PBS Group CEO Petr Kadner stated that the company has already allocated CZK 700 million for investment in technology and development. The firm has expanded production in Velka Bites, in the Brno region, and is seeking additional production facilities to support its rapid growth. The company is also in talks to acquire another manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic to further increase capacity.
In December 2024, PBS Group announced that it had completed the development of the AI PBS 350 turbojet engine. This engine is a key part of a cooperation agreement with a Ukrainian company to jointly produce advanced propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. The AI PBS 350 engine is expected to be mass produced at PBS Group’s Czech facilities in the first half of 2025.
| AI PBS 350 Engine Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum thrust | 3,400 N |
| Weight | 51 kg |
| Outer diameter | 298 mm |
| Length | 706 mm |
| Power output | 5.0 kW |
PBS Group’s expansion is not limited to Europe. In early 2025, the company launched a new plant in the US state of Georgia, primarily to serve the American and Ukrainian markets. The CEO expects total production to double again in 2025, with even further expansion possible if additional government support is secured.
Ukraine remains a top priority for PBS Group, as the country urgently requires modern aerospace technology for its defence industry. While international customers have expressed interest in the AI PBS 350, the company has confirmed that Ukraine’s needs will be prioritised in all production and delivery plans.
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