Babiš: F-35 fighter jet project must continue, but terms can be improved

The project to purchase F-35 fighter jets has reached a stage where it must continue, ANO party leader Andrej Babiš said after visiting the Čáslav air base, adding that he wants to improve the contract terms. President Petr Pavel recently backed the plan, noting that 18 NATO countries intend to acquire the jets, making them the backbone of the alliance’s air defence. He warned that reversing the decision would mean losing funds already paid, including advance payments. Pavel also said the army must address personnel shortages, possibly by strengthening reserves or offering state-supported training for volunteers in key specialisations.