© Reuters
Dnevnik Express
Learn the most important and interesting with the bulletin at 5 p.m. Every day, directly to your email.
The Czech government has approved a plan to purchase 24 F-35 fighter jets, Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on Wednesday. “Reuters” recalls on this occasion that the army seeks to increase its capabilities and work more easily together with NATO allies.
Fiala said the first plane would be ready in 2029 and the others by 2035.
“This is an effective solution,” the prime minister claimed. “[Реактивният самолет] is a platform that has a longer perspective compared to other types of aircraft.”
Defense Minister Jana Chernohova said the state would pay 150 billion kroner ($6.47 billion) by 2034, which includes 44 billion to upgrade bases in the Czech Republic, along with fuel costs, personnel training and taxes.
In June, the US State Department approved the sale of F-35 aircraft, munitions and related equipment to the Czech Republic to replace Gripen fighter jets leased from Sweden’s Saab AB.
