Hungary was the third country, behind Sweden and Czech Republic to operate the Gripen C/D planes, initially acquired under a lease agreement for 12 single seaters (Gripen C) and a pair of two seaters (Gripen D).
By Tim MartinThe Czech government suggested the timing and location of the signing in Prague was affected by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s recent health issues.
By Lee Ferran“A specific step was to start negotiations with the aim of achieving the lowest possible price and at the same time the shortest possible delivery date,” said Jana Cernochova, Czech Republic’s minister of defense.
By Tim MartinThe $5 billion deal would see Prague get all 24 F-35As by 2035, while seeking to extend a lease of older Saab Gripen jets thorough that date.
By Michael Marrow“Ukraine needs to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it needs to feel motivated that one day it will be welcomed into our [NATO] family,” said Czech Republic President Petr Pavel.
By Tim MartinBeyond the fighters themselves, the potential deal includes a host of missiles, bombs, electronic warfare and radio capabilities, as well as “classified software” and software development.
By Lee FerranThe Czech Republic recently announced the finalization of a plan to buy 246 MkIV CV90s, while separately sources told Breaking Defense that other CV90s are on their way to the front lines in Ukraine.
By Andrew WhiteMajor General Karel Řehka, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Republic Army, said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has showed the criticality of urgent modernization, starting with five key priorities.
By Tim MartinUnder the Ringtausch program, Germany has sent newer equipment to Slovakia, Greece, Slovenia and the Czech Republic, with those countries shifting older gear to Ukraine.
By Christina MackenzieThe recommendation from RUSI reopens debate around Western fighter jets being sent to Ukraine, with the Swedish aircraft being tipped to provide exceptional operation value, especially against Russian long-range missile strikes.
By Tim Martin“Our decision to select this option is based on the analysis by the Czech Armed Forces, which clearly articulates that only the most advanced fifth generation fighters will be able to meet mission requirements in future battlefields,” Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová said.
By Valerie InsinnaPolitics, diplomacy complicate decisions by Finland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland when it comes to the F-35 versus other American and international competitors.
By Reuben JohnsonAmerica’s Asian allies have been unnerved by President Donald Trump’s dismissive rhetoric about alliances based on cost/benefit grounds, and his decision to dump the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. That’s part of the reason Defense Secretary Jim Mattis traveled in Asia to calm nerves in Tokyo and Seoul. America’s European allies are also deeply unsettled by Trump’s…
By Michael KreponWASHINGTON: Vladimir Putin won’t blitzkrieg the Baltic states any time soon. It’s not his style, said the commander of the soldiers sent to the three small NATO nations last year to reassure them. That’s good news — especially in light of the bad news: The US effort to shore up its eastern allies and Ukraine,…
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.