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https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/3166 ... with-f-35son 20th July 2022
The Czech government has decided to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft and start negotiations with the US regarding a deal.
If negotiations succeed ,
the fifth-generation fighter jets should replace the Saab JAS 39 Gripens
that the Czech Air Force currently uses, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said
in a press conference, according to local media.
The Czech government authorized the country’s defense ministry
to start negotiations with the US government regarding the procurement of the F-35s,
as well as the Swedish government regarding the purchase of CV90 combat vehicles,
the ministry’s press release states.
Czechia has been considering the purchase of F-35s for several months, with the end of a leasing agreement for Swedish-made Gripens nearing its end in 2027.
Currently the Czech Air Force uses 14 Gripens. According to earlier reports, the country plans to replace them with at least 24 F-35s, doubling its number of squadrons.