The Czech Republic’s government formally announced on January 29 that it intended to purchase 24 Lockheed Martin-built F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation aircraft through the Foreign Military Sale programme of the United States government by signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). The Czech Republic has become the eighteenth country to join the American F-35 program.
The first aircraft, which will be in the most sophisticated Block 4 variant, will be delivered to the Czech Air Force in 2031.
An estimated three years are needed for the manufacture of new F-35 supersonic tactical aircraft, one to two years for pilot and ground crew training, and another one to two years for the procurement procedure. Thus, from the start of the purchase process to the delivery of the first aircraft, seven years may elapse.
The deal covers the aircraft, personnel training, logistics and maintenance support, and the creation of new support services to guarantee the timely delivery of all 24 F-35 aircraft.
According to the Czech government, the deal was signed on January 29 in Prague by US Ambassador Bijan Sabet and Defence Minister Jana Černochová. In the nation’s history, this is the largest military equipment order.
The Czech Ministry of Defence stated in September 2023 that the cost of these 24 F-35As is 4.3 billion euros. To cover the operational costs of these aircraft through 2034 and the infrastructure required for their implementation, an additional 1.8 billion euros will be needed.
Additionally, industry offsets of about 620 million euros are discussed. The Czech Ministry of Defence stated in a statement issued on January 29 that these will involve 13 Czech companies and universities engaged in four areas: component manufacturing, research and development, pilot training and maintenance, and F-35 maintenance and servicing.
The Czech Air Force may face serious difficulties due to the first F-35A in the Block 4 standard not being delivered to them before 2031. The lease contract for the 14 Swedish J-39 Gripen C/D combat aircraft, which they have been using since 2004, expires in 2027, with an option for a two-year extension.
Nevertheless, the Czech Republic declined Saab’s offer to update its combat aircraft. Recall that the Swedish manufacturer had offered to retain the 14 Gripen C/D at the end of the lease contract on the condition of acquiring Gripen E/F subsequently.
Prague is now in “intense negotiations” with Stockholm to keep the Gripen C/D in service until 2035, once its air force has declared the F-35A’s initial operational capability, to prevent a capability gap.
With its unmatched interoperability with NATO and other nations, the F-35 aircraft is the European choice to replace ageing fighter fleets and will be a crucial differentiator for the United States and its allies for many years. Two complete American F-35 squadrons stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath will be among the more than 600 F-35 aircraft from over ten European nations cooperating by 2030. Additionally, the sole fighter aircraft in production has the potential to support strategic industrial relationships with the Czech industry and generate jobs for the next 40–50 years.
Currently, 32 bases throughout the world are home to F-35 aircraft. Over 990 F-35 aircraft have been delivered by Lockheed Martin, along with over 2,280 pilots and 15,400 technicians having received training from the company. The F-35 fleet has amassed almost 773,000 total flying hours. Lockheed Martin and F-35 operators are still working together to ensure allies keep ahead of the changing threat.
