Due to intensive negotiations, the Ministry achieved a deal approximately 25% more favourable than the previous Swedish offer from 2023. “After a series of negotiations, the Ministry of Defence managed to agree on significantly more advantageous conditions compared to the original Swedish offer from last year,” stated Lubor Koudelka, Director General of the Armaments and Acquisitions Division.
The current Gripen lease ends in 2027, with F-35 jets arriving from 2031 and expected to reach full operational capability in 2035. Under the new agreement, the Czech Republic will lease 12 Gripen aircraft (10 single-seat and 2 two-seat), along with associated maintenance and pilot training, at a total cost of 6.012 billion Swedish kronor (approximately CZK 16.695 billion including VAT).
The lease extension will provide continuity in national airspace protection during the transition to the fifth-generation platform. “Even with fewer aircraft, the protection of Czech airspace will be ensured. At the same time, we will ensure seamless pilot training and their transition to the new F-35 platform,” said Major General Petr Čepelka, Commander of the Czech Air Force.
The cost increase compared to previous leasing periods is primarily due to the age of the aircraft, now entering their third decade of service, and rising global costs in the defence aviation sector. The Ministry noted that maintenance now represents a more significant portion of the overall cost, reflecting both the ageing fleet and market changes in labour and materials.
The contract, structured similarly to deals for the Swedish Air Force and other Gripen users, also includes a planned aircraft modernisation. This upgrade will cost 1.454 billion Swedish kronor (around CZK 4.037 billion including VAT), and is essential due to developments in modern combat scenarios.
Gripen jets have reliably served the Czech Air Force since 2004. Although pilots have expressed satisfaction with the aircraft, the fleet’s lifecycle is ending, and strategic assessments show that only fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 can meet future operational demands.
The Defence Minister’s Collegium, a collective advisory body consisting of senior ministry officials, military representatives, and other stakeholders, endorsed the contract. The proposed deal is now set to be presented to the Czech Government for information.
This collective decision-making process ensures transparency and legal compliance, with oversight from the Public Procurement Supervision Department. “The agreement is good news for the Czech Republic and for ensuring its defence capability,” Koudelka concluded.
