The Czech Republic initiated negotiations with the United States on the purchase of fifth-generation F-35 fighters.

At its meeting on Wednesday, the government made a crucial decision in manning and modernisation of the Czech Armed Forces.

The Government of the Republic plans to purchase 24 F-35 fighters from the US, but the final decision has not yet been made.

The Lockheed Martin company stated it welcomes the choice of Prague, saying that nine European countries have already chosen the F-35 as the main fighter for their Air Forces, so Czech pilots need to switch to a common platform.

“Regarding the data, I would only add that nine NATO countries have already chosen F-35 aircraft, so it would be absolutely beneficial for the Czech Republic as one of the NATO countries to fly on a common platform with partners”, stated Lockheed Martin representatives.

Currently, Czech Air Force has 14 Swedish Gripen fighters, which are leased until 2027.

Previously, Finland announced the purchase of the US fighters, signing a contract on February 11, 2022 for 64 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters in the Block 4 modification.

The deliveries will take place under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The new F-35A should replace 62 Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet fighters in the Finnish Air Force. The entire aircraft contract, including armament, maintenance, training, etc. will cost €10 billion.

Previously, the US Department of Defense agreed with Lockheed Martin that 375 F-35 fighters will be produced over the next three years.

In 2021, Lockheed Martin delivered 142 F-35 fighter jets to the US military and its allies.

Over 750 F-35 aircraft are operated from 30 bases and ships worldwide.

More than 1,585 pilots and 11,545 maintenance personnel have been trained, and the F-35 aircraft have flown a total of nearly 470,000 hours.