Hungary, Sweden reach deal for additional Gripen fighters, with NATO clearance looming

Hungary, Sweden reach deal for additional Gripen fighters, with NATO clearance looming
Hungary, Sweden reach deal for additional Gripen fighters, with NATO clearance looming

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).

Czech Republic joins F-35 ranks, inks ‘most important’ deal with US for 24 aircraft

Czech Republic joins F-35 ranks, inks ‘most important’ deal with US for 24 aircraft
Czech Republic joins F-35 ranks, inks ‘most important’ deal with US for 24 aircraft

The Czech government suggested the timing and location of the signing in Prague was affected by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s recent health issues.

Czech Republic begins negotiations to buy 2 Embraer C-390 transport aircraft

Czech Republic begins negotiations to buy 2 Embraer C-390 transport aircraft
Czech Republic begins negotiations to buy 2 Embraer C-390 transport aircraft

“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.

Czech government greenlights deal for 24 F-35s

Czech government greenlights deal for 24 F-35s
Czech government greenlights deal for 24 F-35s

The $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.

Czech leader: ‘Several countries’ hesitant as NATO discusses accession plans for Ukraine

Czech leader: ‘Several countries’ hesitant as NATO discusses accession plans for Ukraine
Czech leader: ‘Several countries’ hesitant as NATO discusses accession plans for Ukraine

“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.

State approves $5.6 billion F-35 sale to Czech Republic

State approves $5.6 billion F-35 sale to Czech Republic
State approves $5.6 billion F-35 sale to Czech Republic

Beyond 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.

Czechs drop $2.2B on CV90 infantry fighting vehicles; Ukraine ‘days’ from getting them

Czechs drop $2.2B on CV90 infantry fighting vehicles; Ukraine ‘days’ from getting them
Czechs drop $2.2B on CV90 infantry fighting vehicles; Ukraine ‘days’ from getting them

The 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.

Czech army leader calls for ‘biggest rearmament of the army in the country’s history’

Czech army leader calls for ‘biggest rearmament of the army in the country’s history’
Czech army leader calls for ‘biggest rearmament of the army in the country’s history’

Major 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.

With Slovakian deal, Germany expands three-way ‘Ringtausch’ dance to arm Ukraine

With Slovakian deal, Germany expands three-way ‘Ringtausch’ dance to arm Ukraine
With Slovakian deal, Germany expands three-way ‘Ringtausch’ dance to arm Ukraine

Under the Ringtausch program, Germany has sent newer equipment to Slovakia, Greece, Slovenia and the Czech Republic, with those countries shifting older gear to Ukraine.

Made to take on Russia, Swedish Gripen fighter jets should go to Ukraine: Report

Made to take on Russia, Swedish Gripen fighter jets should go to Ukraine: Report
Made to take on Russia, Swedish Gripen fighter jets should go to Ukraine: Report

The 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.

Czech Republic declares intent to buy 24 F-35s, passing on Gripen

Czech Republic declares intent to buy 24 F-35s, passing on Gripen
Czech Republic declares intent to buy 24 F-35s, passing on Gripen

“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.

F-35 faces stiff competition as European nations decide on future fighters

F-35 faces stiff competition as European nations decide on future fighters
F-35 faces stiff competition as European nations decide on future fighters

Politics, diplomacy complicate decisions by Finland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland when it comes to the F-35 versus other American and international competitors.

How To Strengthen Alliances On President Trump’s Watch

How To Strengthen Alliances On President Trump’s Watch
How To Strengthen Alliances On President Trump’s Watch

America’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…

Putin Won’t Blitz Baltic States — But NATO Has A Plan….

Putin Won’t Blitz Baltic States — But NATO Has A Plan….
Putin Won’t Blitz Baltic States — But NATO Has A Plan….

WASHINGTON: 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,…