Czech request for F-35A Lightning II approved
On 29 June 2023, the US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Czech republic of F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, munitions and related equipment for an estimated value of up to USD5,6 billion.
The government of the Czech Republic has requested to buy 24 F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft for use with the Vzdušné síly armády České republiky (CzAF, Czech Air Force).
Currently, the CzAF is leasing fourteen Saab JAS39C/D Gripen fighters from Saab Aerospace, Sweden. This lease period ends in 2029.
Early July 2022, the Swedish ambassador to Czechia, Frederik Jörgensen, said that the Czech Air Force can keep the leased Gripens for free after the current lease period is over. But this would only occur if the Czech Republic would opt for the JAS39E Gripen. However, if we look at the current situation with Ukraine and Russia, with Sweden taking current world security into account, it could be that Sweden will hand over the fighter jets to the Czech Republic after the lease period. Especially as the Czech Republic started negotiations with Sweden on the purchase of combat vehicles.
Late July 2022, the government of the Czech Republic decided to acquire the F-35A and gave Defence minister Jana Cernochová a mandate to start negotiations with the US government for purchasing the US fighter aircraft. Czechia will be, next to USAF Europe, the 11th operator of the type in Europe. The other countries are: Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom and on order with Belgium, Finland, Germany, Poland and Switzerland.
Photo (just illustrative) by Haozhe Peng (via jetphotos.com)