Prague, September 2 - The Czech Air Force has secured a pivotal agreement to extend the lease of its Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets until 2035, ensuring the nation’s air defense capabilities remain robust during the transition to fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft. The new lease, signed in Prague by Lubor Koudelka, Director General of the Armaments and Acquisitions Section of the Czech Ministry of Defense, and in Sweden by Mikael Granholm, Director General of the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV), extends the operation of 12 Gripen aircraft—10 single-seat and two dual-seat models—beyond the current contract’s expiration in 2027. This deal, valued at 6.012 billion Swedish kronor (approximately 16.695 billion Czech crowns including VAT at the June 2025 exchange rate), includes aircraft leasing, servicing, and pilot training. The agreement comes with a 25% cost reduction compared to previous Swedish proposals, achieved after rigorous negotiations. It incorporates modernization efforts costing an additional 1.454 billion Swedish kronor to keep the aging fleet operational. This strategic move bridges the gap until the F-35s, expected to begin delivery in 2031 and reach full operational capability by 2035, fully replace the Gripens, maintaining the Czech Republic’s commitment to NATO’s Integrated Air Defense System.
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The Gripen jets, operational with the Czech Air Force since 2005, have been a cornerstone of the nation’s defense strategy, replacing outdated Soviet-era MiG-21 fighters. Stationed at Čáslav Air Base, the fleet was initially leased in 2004 for 10 years and extended to 2027, with ongoing upgrades since 2015 to maintain combat readiness. Reducing the fleet from 14 to 12 aircraft reflects a balance between cost efficiency and operational needs. Major General Petr Čepelka, Commander of the Czech Air Force, affirmed that the smaller fleet will still effectively protect Czech airspace. The modernization package ensures that Gripens meet evolving operational standards, addressing the increased maintenance costs associated with aircraft during their third decade of service. This extension aligns with terms offered to the Swedish Air Force and other Gripen operators, ensuring cost parity and operational continuity. The Czech Republic’s investment in the Gripen also supports pilot training, with current Gripen pilots forming the core of the future F-35 force, ensuring a smooth transition to the advanced platform.
The extended lease is a pragmatic response to the Czech Republic’s defense modernization timeline, driven by NATO assessments and military recommendations that only fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 can meet future operational demands. The Czech government approved the acquisition of 24 F-35As in September 2023, with a contract signed in January 2024, marking the largest military procurement in the nation’s history at approximately $6.6 billion. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031, with the first six aircraft arriving in 2029 for pilot and technician training in the United States, and full deployment expected by 2035. The Gripens, equipped with advanced systems like the PS-05/A pulse-Doppler X-band radar and capable of carrying a range of munitions including AIM-120 AMRAAM and Meteor missiles, remain a reliable interim solution. Their compatibility with NATO’s Link 16 datalink and ability to operate from short runways enhance their utility in coalition operations, as demonstrated in exercises like Lion Effort at Čáslav Air Base in May 2024, where Czech Gripens trained alongside counterparts from Hungary, Sweden, Thailand, and Brazil.
This lease extension secures the Czech Air Force’s supersonic capability and strengthens defense ties with Sweden, a key NATO partner. The agreement includes joint training initiatives, such as those involving the Swedish-made CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, which the Czech Republic is considering acquiring. The reduction in aircraft numbers has been communicated to NATO, ensuring collective airspace defense planning accounts for the change. Despite higher maintenance costs due to the Gripens’ age and rising global prices for labor and materials in military aviation, the negotiated deal represents a cost-effective solution. The Czech Republic ensures no capability gaps in its air defense by maintaining a modernized Gripen fleet until the F-35s are fully operational. It reinforces its role as a reliable NATO member while transitioning to a new era of advanced fighter jet operations.