LOM PRAHA, one of the oldest aviation enterprises, celebrated its remarkable 110th anniversary in the atrium of the Army Museum Žižkov of the Military History Institute Prague. The company’s history dates back to 1915 when the first water-cooled, four-stroke, six-cylinder Hiero engine was manufactured in Prague’s Karlín district.
The prestigious event was attended by high-ranking representatives from the Ministry of Defence, security forces, companies from the defence and security industry, among other distinguished guests. Patronage for the anniversary celebration was provided by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and Minister of Defence Jana Černochová.
In his keynote speech, LOM PRAHA Director Jiří Protiva reflected on the company’s rich history and strategic vision. Minister Černochová, speaking on behalf of the enterprise’s founder—the Ministry of Defence—highlighted the crucial role LOM PRAHA plays: “I firmly believe that LOM PRAHA possesses all the prerequisites for a future at least as long as its past. The Czech Army needs a reliable partner to develop its air capabilities, and LOM PRAHA fulfills precisely this role. The company remains indispensable to our national defence industry.”
Brigadier General Petr Tománek, Deputy Commander of the Czech Air Force, emphasized the company’s contribution: “LOM PRAHA has long provided critical support to the Czech Air Force, whether in aircraft maintenance and modernization, flight training, or collaboration on strategic projects. Thanks to the professionalism and commitment of its employees, this company is a dependable partner we can always rely on.”
The ceremony also included awarding commemorative plaques to ten distinguished LOM PRAHA employees and presenting Director Jiří Protiva with the Defence Minister’s Cross of Merit, Third Class, recognizing his significant contributions.
By: Katerina Urbanova
Photo Credit: LOM PRAHA
