Army chief: Donation of L-159 jets would not endanger Czech security

Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka confirmed President Petr Pavel’s statement that providing four L-159 aircraft to Ukraine would not endanger the Czech Republic’s security and that the army is prepared for such a step. He noted that a potential transfer of the aircraft is not decided by the military, with the final decision resting with the government.

Řehka said that he wanted to clarify possible misunderstandings regarding the military’s earlier recommendations. When Ukraine requested the jets in August last year, the army said it could provide up to four aircraft, while warning of issues related to their service life and the availability of spare parts. He said that given the urgency of the present day situation, the jets could be transferred, if Ukraine accepted their limitations.

According to Řehka, the president and other politicians were informed of these positions. He said he had not discussed the matter with the prime minister or the current defence minister.