Czech Republic Considers Discounted Gripen Lease Extension Ahead of F-35 Transition

The Czech Republic is reviewing a new lease extension offer from Sweden for its fleet of Gripen C/D fighter jets. The proposed agreement, running from 2027 to 2035, is intended to bridge the gap until the arrival of F-35s beginning in 2031. The revised deal includes a 25% discount, bringing the cost to 16.65 billion CZK ($732 million). It covers maintenance, pilot training, and continued operation of 12 Gripen aircraft. An additional 3.9 billion CZK may be allocated for potential modernization efforts.

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