The U.S. State Department has given its approval for a potential $5.62 billion sale of F-35 aircraft, munitions, and related equipment to the Czech Republic. This move comes a year after the Czech Republic expressed its interest in procuring 24 F-35s from the U.S, aiming to improve its defense capabilities and maintain a steady presence in the region.
Key Points:
- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency states that the sale will include 24 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, with Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Boeing being the principal contractors.
- The proposed sale is expected to enhance the Czech Republic’s defense capabilities and aid NATO operations by providing protection against modern threats.
- In May, the U.S. signed a security agreement with the Czech Republic, a NATO member that has supported Ukraine against Russia.
- The potential sale also includes 25 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, 70 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and various other electronic warfare and radio capabilities, among other equipment.
- If the sale proceeds, the Czech Republic will become one of the ten Foreign Military Sales customers for the F-35 program.
