TSAMTO, September 6th. The heads of the Czech and Swedish military departments signed a Joint declaration on Strengthening defense cooperation at the GLOBSEC Forum conference held in Prague from August 30 to September 1.
According to the Swedish Ministry of Defense, the declaration assumes, among other things, the extension of leasing of JAS-39 Gripen fighters of the Czech Air Force after 2027.
As stated, the joint declaration expresses the desire of Sweden and the Czech Republic to expand defense cooperation in such areas as the use of the JAS-39 Gripen beyond the originally planned period until 2027, support for operation, exchange of experience and joint training for the use of the CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle, as well as military assistance to Ukraine.
Thus, the document will allow the use of 14 JAS-39 aircraft to protect Czech airspace until the arrival of the new F-35A. It is assumed that the necessary documents for the lease extension will be signed later.
The extension of the Gripen lease is part of a broader effort to modernize the Czech Armed Forces. Recently, the country's authorities approved the purchase of 24 F-35A fighters. The decision was ratified by the Czech Parliament in September 2023. It is expected that the delivery of these aircraft will begin in 2031.
The JAS-39 Gripen fighters delivered in 2005 and stationed at the Chaslav Airbase were initially purchased as a temporary solution. However, as the Czech Armed Forces implement a course of gradual abandonment of Soviet-era equipment, aircraft have become the main type of fighter in the Air Force. According to Military Balance 2024, the Czech Air Force currently has 12 single-seat JAS-39C and two double-seat JAS-39D in service.
Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonson stressed the importance of the agreement at the signing ceremony of the joint declaration, saying that "defense cooperation between Sweden and the Czech Republic will continue to strengthen for the benefit of both sides." The agreement not only extends the lease of Gripen, but also includes joint training programs related to the CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle, the possibility of acquiring which is being considered by the Czech Armed Forces.
As reported by CAMTO, in June 2004, the Czech government concluded an agreement with the Swedish Armed Forces Material Security Agency (FMV) to lease 14 JAS-39C/D for a 10-year period. The cost of the lease was about 19.6 billion. CZK ($928 million). The aircraft were delivered to the customer during April-August 2005.
The basic 10-year lease expired in 2015. Earlier, in May 2014, the Czech Ministry of Defense and the Swedish Defense Export Agency FXM signed an agreement to extend the leasing of fighter jets for a period of 12 years. The total cost of the lease was about 21.4 billion. CZK (781 million euros).
Currently, the Czech Republic leases 14 JAS-39 Gripen aircraft for about $1.7 billion. CZK per year. The lease term expires in 2027. Extending the lease is also associated with the need to modernize the fighters to ensure their efficient operation.
