Czechia’s largest-ever military purchase of F-35 fighter jets moves ahead

The U.S. Department of Defense has signed a USD 422 million (CZK 9.5 billion) contract with Lockheed Martin, paving the way for the delivery of 24 F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighter jets to Czechia, according to Czech military website, Armádní Noviny. This agreement follows the memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year, marking Czechia’s most expensive military purchase.

The contract includes program management, logistics, maintenance, and systems engineering services. Czechia is set to pay CZK 150 billion (approximately USD 6.6 billion) for the F-35s, which will replace the 14 JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets currently leased from Sweden. Additionally, they will phase out 24 L-159 aircraft in the future.

Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová previously emphasized the historic nature of the acquisition, saying, “By signing this intergovernmental agreement, our country and also our army enter a new era.” The government officially approved the purchase in September, and U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet joined Černochová for the signing ceremony.

Under the current contract, Czech pilots are expected to begin training in the United States in preparation for the arrival of the first F-35s by 2031. The final jets are scheduled for delivery by 2035. The work outlined in the contract, which includes integrating cutting-edge radar, sensor, data fusion, and software systems, will continue through September 2027.

Czechia’s Defense Ministry estimates the total cost of acquiring and operating the F-35 fleet, which will remain in service until 2069, to be CZK 322 billion (USD 14.3 billion). This includes the aircraft and related equipment, pilot training, munitions, infrastructure upgrades, fuel, and life-cycle support.

The new aircraft will allow Czechia to maintain a highly advanced and capable air force as the country modernizes its defense capabilities in cooperation with NATO allies.