The Czech News Agency has revealed that the Czech Republic is set to finalize an agreement with the United States by the end of next March for the purchase of 24 F-35 supersonic fighter jets.
The Czech government approved the purchase of F-35 jets in September last year.
According to the agency, the total cost of the contract is 150 billion crowns (approximately 6.5 billion dollars), making it the largest financial transaction in the history of the Czech military.
The F-35 aircraft are scheduled to replace 14 leased JAS-39 Gripen supersonic fighters from Sweden in the Czech Air Force.
The agency also reported that the American aircraft will be responsible for protecting the Czech airspace until the year 2069.
The procurement not only includes the aircraft themselves but also base upgrades within the Czech Republic, fuel, staff training, and taxes. The first F-35 aircraft is expected to be ready by 2029, with the complete fleet operational by 2035. This long-term investment underscores the Czech Republic’s commitment to modernizing its military and securing its airspace well into the future.
This move by the Czech Republic is part of a broader trend of increased defense spending and military modernization among NATO countries in response to the current geopolitical environment, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Czech Republic has been actively involved in providing military support to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. The government has supplied a significant amount of heavy military equipment, including tanks, missiles, large-calibre ammunition, combat and armoured vehicles, combat helicopters, and STRELA anti-aircraft systems. This support is part of the Czech Republic’s response to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
The F-35 jets are known for their advanced capabilities, including stealth features, advanced avionics, and superior performance characteristics, making them a significant upgrade over the current fleet of Gripen jets.
