PM Babiš: Cancelling F-35 deal would cost CZK 30bn

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO party) said cancelling the purchase of US F-35 fighter jets would cause damage of around CZK 30 billion. Speaking in Liberec, he said the contract could no longer be scrapped without major losses. The previous government of Petr Fiala (Civic Democrats) approved the deal for 24 aircraft worth CZK 106 billion. Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna (SPD party) has outlined plans for a sharp rise in defence spending in coming years, but Babiš questioned those projections. He said funding would ensure the army remains combat-ready and meets NATO commitments. SPD leader Tomio Okamura (SPD party) has also criticised the F-35 purchase as too expensive.