The Czechoslovak Armed Forces were the military forces of Czechoslovakia, established after the country gained independence in 1918. They played a significant role in defending the nation during various conflicts, including World War II, when they fought alongside the Allies against the Axis powers. After the division of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, the armed forces were also split. The Czech Armed Forces and the Slovak Armed Forces continued to develop independently, focusing on modernizing their military capabilities and participating in international missions.