Czech Republic finalizes negotiations on the purchase of F-35 aircraft

Within a few weeks, Czech Defence Minsiter Jana Cernachova is to inform the government about the results of the negotiations. The contract is intended to be implemented over ten years

Czech Ministry of Defence plans to allocate amount of USD 5.62 billion for the purchase of American F-35 multi-role fighters. US authorities approved the sale of the 24 fifth-generation aircraft in June.

Prague started negotiations after an analysis that concluded only fifth-generation aircraft would be able to meet the requirements of the Czech Air Force after 2040. Currently, the Czechs fly Swedish Gripen aircraft, which are leased, and the contract ends in 2027. The Czech side will have the option to extend it for two years.