The Czech Republic will purchase 24 F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft from the US, Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on Wednesday.
“The initial F-35s will be ready in 2029 and our pilots will start training in the United States,” Prime Minister Fiala told the media. The first batch of F-35s is expected on Czech soil in 2031 and the remainder will be at the disposal of the Czech military by 2035.
Defence Minister Jana Cernochova specified that the total cost of the transaction stands at 150 billion crowns, just shy of €6.2 billion. “Approximately 106 billion crowns will cover the cost of the aircraft, ammunition, simulators, training and other elements by 2034,” Cernochova said.
The remaining budget will be allocated mainly for fuel purchases, she added.
The Czech military currently operates Swedish-manufactured Gripen combat aircraft, with the lease agreement set to expire in 2027. “There is no time for any temporary solutions,” Cernochova explained.
The funding was secured following the government’s decision to devote two percent of the State’s total budget expenditure to Defence, in keeping with its NATO commitment, said Fiala.
“Strengthening ties with our NATO allies is crucial," he added. "Through this step, we signal our dedication to national defence and assure them of our reliability.”
