The Czech Air Force is procuring 24 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. Maintenance and logistics services are also part of the package. The first aircraft will be introduced in 2031. This is the latest Block 4 configuration.
It will be procured via the US government’s Foreign Military Sales programme. With this programme, the US government allows the export of military goods if this serves the strategic interests of the USA. If this is the case, both countries sign the so-called Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation multi-role combat aircraft. With a wingspan of 10.7 metres, the aircraft has a range of around 2,200 kilometres and can climb to around 50,000 feet.
“With the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance, the Czech Republic becomes the 18th member of the international F-35 programme,” said Bridget Lauderdale, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 programme at Lockheed Martin.