(CercleFinance.com) – Lockheed Martin announces that the Czech Republic has formalized its intention to acquire 24 5th generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft through the US government’s ‘Foreign Military Sales’ mechanism.
In this context, the Czech Air Force should receive its first aircraft in 2031 in the so-called ‘Block 4’ configuration, the most advanced.
“We are pleased that the Government of the Czech Republic is now officially part of the record-breaking F-35 Lightning II program,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, F-35 Joint Program Director.
The agreement also covers staff training, service and logistical support to ensure the successful deliveries of the 24 aircraft.
‘ With the signing of the letter of offer and acceptance between the Czech Republic and the US governments, the Czech Republic becomes the 18th country to join the global F-35 program. We are honored to partner with the Czech Air Force as the F-35. The 35 join other European countries in strengthening and increasing interoperability, thereby significantly increasing NATO’s deterrence capacity. ‘ said Bridget Lauderdale, vice president of Lockheed Martin and general manager of the F-35 program. ‘The F-35 is the best solution for the Czech Republic’s future fighter fleet, with 5th generation capabilities improving the nation’s effectiveness in the 21st century security battlespace.’
The F-35 is the European aircraft of choice to replace existing fighter fleets, providing unparalleled interoperability with NATO and other countries to serve as a key discriminator for the United States. and its allies for decades to come. By the 2030s, more than 600 F-35s will work together from more than 10 European countries, including two American ones. F-35 squadrons stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath. It is also the only combat aircraft in production today that will create jobs for the next 40 to 50 years and enable strategic industrial partnerships with Czech industry.
F-35s now operate from 32 bases around the world. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 990 F-35s, trained more than 2,280 pilots and 15,400 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has exceeded nearly 773,000 cumulative flight hours. Lockheed Martin continues to work alongside F-35 operators to ensure allies stay ahead of the evolving threat.
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