US approves $5.6bn sale of 24 F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets to the Czech Republic

The value of one F-35 Lighting II fighter jet for export exceeds $200 million, a conclusion that can be drawn from a statement by the US State Department, which approved the potential sale of the planes to the Czech Republic.

Here's What We Know

Authorities have approved the sale of 24 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing versions of the fifth-generation fighter jets. The deal is worth $5.6 billion. The contract also involves the sale of 25 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, 70 AIM-120C-8 missiles, 50 combat and 18 AIM-9X Sidewinder training missiles, 86 GBU-53/B bombs, 2 GBU-53 SDB-II, 12 Mk-84, BLU-109, JDAM kits and related equipment.

The Czech Republic announced its ambitions for the F-35 a year ago. At the time, the authorities opted for the American planes, choosing between them and the Gripen manufactured by Swedish company Saab. Defence Minister Jana Černochová said the F-35 Lightning II will be able to carry out missions on future battlefields.

The Czech Republic will become the ninth country to order Lockheed Martin fighters in addition to the seven partners that are part of the F-35 development programme. The US Congress has 30 days to approve or block the deal.

Source: DSCA