Czech Defence Ministry to negotiate purchase of US F-35 fighter jets

The Czech Ministry of Defence will start negotiating with the US on the acquisition of US F-35 fighter jets, the government decided on Wednesday. According to Defence Minister Jana Černochová, the decision was made on the basis of military recommendations. The US planes will replace the Swedish Gripens, which the army has loaned until 2027.

The government has also agreed to cancel a tender for the purchase of infantry fighting vehicles worth more than CZK 50 billion and will instead directly approach the Swedish manufacturer of the CV-90 machine BAE Systems.

Mrs Černochová said the tender was cancelled on the basis of a recommendation from legal experts. The new machines are to replace the old Soviet vehicles.