Image source: topwar.ru
Another European country is preparing to purchase American fifth-generation F-35 fighters. We are talking about the Czech Republic, which does not intend to lag behind in armaments from other countries using "advanced technologies".
According to Czech media, the republic's authorities plan to purchase 24 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, but a final decision has not yet been made. It is noted that there are opponents to the purchase plans, so intensive discussions on this topic have been conducted for more than one week, the decision will be announced the other day.
Lockheed Martin only welcomes the choice of Prague, stating that nine European countries have already chosen the F-35 as the main fighter for their air Forces, therefore Czech pilots need to switch to a common platform.
- Randy Howard, vice president of the American company Lockheed Martin.
It is difficult to say how much American fighters will cost the Czechs, since there are no agreements between the United States and the Czech Republic regarding the F-35. The Czechs have yet to agree on a possible contract.
Earlier, Finland announced the purchase of American fighters by signing a contract for 64 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters in the Block 4 variant on February 11, 2022. Deliveries will take place through the American program of intergovernmental foreign military sales Foreign Military Sales (FMS), the Finns will receive the first aircraft in 2025, the end of deliveries is scheduled for 2030. The new F-35A should replace 62 Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornet fighters in the Finnish Air Force. The entire contract for aircraft, including armament, maintenance, training, etc., will cost Helsinki 10 billion. euro.
