The Czech Army will use Gripen until 2035. The lease extension contract has been signed

The Czech Republic has secured the continued operation of the JAS-39 Gripen supersonic aircraft until 2035. The new lease extension agreement was signed today on behalf of the Czech side by Lubor Koudelka, Chief Director of the Armaments and Acquisitions Section of the Ministry of Defence, while the Swedish FMV agency was represented by its Director General Mikael Granholm.

Thanks to intensive negotiations, it was possible to negotiate up to 25% financial savings compared to the original offer from 2024. The extension of the Gripen service will allow the Czech Army to smoothly transition to the new generation of aircraft - American F-35 Lightning II, which will start arriving in 2031 and become fully operational in 2035.

How much will the Czech Republic pay

Under the contract, the Czech Republic will pay for Lease of 12 Gripen aircraft, their servicing and pilot training for a total of SEK 6.012 billion (approx. CZK 16.7 billion including VAT according to the current exchange rate as of 3 June 2025). The saving compared to last year's offer is approximately a quarter of the total amount.

The agreement also includes aircraft modernisation for SEK 1.454 billion (approximately CZK 4.04 billion). The modernisation is necessary to maintain the operability of the machines, which have been in service with the Czech Air Force since 2004.

Fewer planes, but full protection

Compared to the original number of 14 machines, the Czech Republic will lease 12 Gripens - ten single-seaters and two double-seaters. According to Commander of the Air Force of the Czech Republic Major General Petr Čepelka but it won't affect airspace protection:

"Even with fewer machines, the security of the Czech Republic will be assured. At the same time, we will prepare pilots for a seamless transition to the new F-35 platform," said Čepelka.

NATO has also been informed of the reduction in the number of aircraft and will take this into account when planning joint airspace defence.

Why Gripen is being continued

The current lease expires in 2027. F-35 arrive only from 2031 and reach full operational capability in 2035, a reliable interim step was necessary. The Gripen has proven to be reliable and efficient solution and upgrading them to ensure they meet current battlefield requirements.

According to military recommendations and NATO experts, only an aircraft can perform the tasks of the future fifth generation. Therefore, the Czech Republic has decided to switch to the F-35, which is the only available aircraft in this category at the moment.

MO/gnews.cz - GH