Czech Republic to extend lease of Swedish Gripen fighters until 2035, as it is a long time to wait for F-35

By: Mykhailo Stoliar | 11.04.2025, 09:08
Desentrañando el JAS 39 Gripen: Un Vistazo a la Ingeniería de Vanguardia detrás del Caza Sueco JAS 39 Gripen. Source: SAAB

The Czech Republic plans to extend the lease of Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighters until 2035. The country's Ministry of Defence said that negotiations with Sweden have reached the final stage, and the new agreement will provide for a 25% discount on services and an optimised operating model.

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Starting from 2027, the Czech Army will have 12 aircraft instead of 14: 10 single-seaters and two double-seaters. The main reason for extending the lease is to ensure a smooth transition to the new US F-35A fighters, which the Czech Republic will start receiving in stages from 2031. The extension of the Gripen will save significant money, particularly compared to the previous options offered by Sweden over the past two years.

In total, the Czech Republic will spend about CZK 16.65 billion on lease, maintenance and pilot training for the period 2027-2035. At the same time, rent is not the main component of the cost - the expenses are largely due to the technical condition of the aircraft, which will be more than 30 years old by the time the new contract is completed.

Separately, about 3.9 billion kroons are envisaged for the modernisation of the JAS-39 Gripen, of which approximately 2 billion must be invested before 2027. F-35A pilots are to be trained on the basis of personnel who have previously flown the Gripen, which further simplifies the transformation of the Air Force.

F-35. Illustration: US AIR FORCE
F-35. Illustration: ВПС США

The Czech Ministry of Defence considers the new Swedish proposal to be acceptable. If the military confirms its feasibility, the contract could be signed before the current government's term ends in the next six months.

Source: Czech Ministry of Defence