Czech Republic Extends Gripen Fighters Lease Until 2035

The Czech Republic has extended its lease agreement for the Gripen C/D fighter jets with Sweden until 2035. The contract, initially signed in 2004, marks its second extension and includes a fleet reduction from 14 to 12 aircraft between 2027 and 2035.

The agreement, signed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), encompasses the lease, maintenance, and pilot training for a total cost of 16.695 billion CZK, approximately US$ 800 million.

Additionally, the modernization of the Gripen fleet is estimated at 4.0 billion CZK, or around US$ 190 million. The updated fleet will consist of 10 single-seat and 2 dual-seat fighters.

The lease extension is a strategic decision to bridge the gap until the arrival of 24 F-35A fighters, scheduled to start in 2031 and complete by 2035. Pilot training will initially occur in the United States before transitioning to the Czech Republic. The Gripen C/D jets currently fulfill national air defense roles and NATO missions.

The Czech Republic’s decision to extend the Gripen lease while preparing for the integration of the F-35A signifies a transitional phase in its defense strategy. The modernization and reduction of the Gripen fleet ensure operational readiness until the F-35A’s full deployment.

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Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

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