Image source: topwar.ru
Czech Republic has started the procedure of procurement of the American fifth generation fighter F-35, giving Washington a preliminary inquiry. Formal negotiations will begin later.
The Czech Ministry of defense has sent US an informal request for the supply of 24 F-35 fighter, the negotiations are scheduled to begin around mid-October, the delegation is preparing to send to the United States. The main condition for the purchase of American aircraft Czechs want to put the obligatory participation of the defense enterprises of the country in the implementation of this order.
That the Czech Republic intends to buy the American F-35, it was reported in July of this year, but then the question still hung in the air, because the deal had many opponents. Apparently, for the last time this question was finally settled in favor of the supporters of the deal, just preparing to sign an agreement. In case of signing of the contract, the Czech Republic will be already 10 European government chose the F-35 as the main fighter for its air force.
In principle, the question of the supply of Czechs fighter can be considered to be already solved, in Washington don't mind at Lockheed Martin only welcome the choice of Prague. It remains to settle some issues, in particular on the participation of the Czech defense enterprises in the production of fighter aircraft. Also it is unknown how much it will cost the Czech Republic, the purchase of 24 F-35, because you do not know what else you want except the fighters to the Czechs.
In the Czech air force F-35 to replace rented in Swedish fighter JAS-39 Gripen. To obtain new aircraft in Prague expect until 2027, as that's when our lease, Swedish fighters.