US approves $5.6 billion sale of F-35 jets stealth fighter jets to Czech Republic
Europe, News, US July 2, 2023 1 Comment on US approves $5.6 billion sale of F-35 jets stealth fighter jets to Czech RepublicU.S. Department of State has approved Prague’s request to acquire F-35 fighter jets along with ammunition and other associated equipment in a deal that could be worth up to $5.6 billion. The Czech Republic is seeking to acquire 24 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.
Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported that the proposed deal was approved by the State Department on June 29, 2023. Prague requested to acquire F-35 fighter jets, in conventional take-off and landing configuration, along with 25 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, 70 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM), and 86 StormBreaker all-up rounds. The request also comprised 12 Mk-84 general-purpose bombs, 12 KMU-556/KMU-557 Joint Direct Attack Munition tail kits, and 50 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles.
Pentagon has informed Congress about the potential deal. After attaining approval from the U.S. Congress, the Czech Republic government would start negotiating with the principal contractors, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon Technologies, on the prices and deliveries.
“The proposed sale will improve the Czech Republic’s defense capabilities as well as support NATO operations by guarding against modern threats and maintaining a constant presence in the region,” DSCA said in the statement. It added that the move “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.” and that “there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
In May, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed a security agreement with the Czech Republic’s Defense Minister Jana Cernochova to further strengthen defense ties, enhance NATO operations, advance transatlantic security, and protect shared interests and values between the two nations. The pact also focuses on equipping Prague with the latest weapons in the wake of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
One year ago in July 2022, Prague expressed its interest in acquiring U.S.-made F-35 jets to replace its fleet of Saab Gripen fighter jets that it had leased from Sweden. However, based on the increased demand and slow supply of the F-35s, the Czech Republic is considering extending the lease contract for its Gripen fighters.
Czech Republic’s Defense Minister Jana Cernochova announced her country’s intentions to procure the latest F-35 Fighter Jets last year by saying that “Our decision to select this option is based on the analysis by the Czech Armed Forces, which clearly articulates that only the most advanced 5th generation fighters will be able to meet mission requirements in future battlefields.”
The European states have shown immense interest in acquiring U.S.-made weapons and fighter jets amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing security crises. The demand is largely centered around F-35 fighter jets along with munitions, air defense systems, communications equipment, shoulder-fired missiles, and drones which have proven critical to Ukraine’s war efforts.
The use of U.S.-made weapons and defense systems would significantly increase interoperability among the NATO forces. If the sale goes through, the Czech Republic would become the ninth European country to be operating U.S.-made F-35 jets.
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[…] week, the U.S. Department of State approved Czech Republic’s request to acquire F-35 fighter jets along with ammunition and other associated equipment in a deal that is […]