Czech Republic to extend Gripen lease beyond 2027
The Czech Republic is to extend the use of its Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters beyond the originally planned end date of 2027, with the lease renewal likely to maintain the air force’s structure until the arrival of the upcoming Lockheed Martin F-35A.
A Joint Declaration on the Enhancement of Defence Cooperation – signed by the Swedish minister for defence Pål Jonson and Jana Černochová, Minister for Defence, Czech Republic – outlined the agreement on 29 August, intended to “increase the defence related cooperation” of both nations. This includes, amongst other things, “the use of JAS 39 Gripen aircraft beyond its originally intended period”.
The Czech Air Force has operated the Saab Gripen since August 2005, with twelve single-seat and two twin-seat Gripen C/D fighters based out of Čáslav Air Base. In 2018, the Czech Air Force successfully upgraded its Gripen fleet to MS20 standard, augmenting its combat and communication capabilities.
However, with the Czech Republic opting for the Lockheed Martin F-35 to fulfil its longer-term fighter requirement – a decision that was approved by the US State Department in June 2023 and finalised in January 2024, with the Czech government having signed an official letter of offer and acceptance – the Gripen leases will come to an end.
Instead, the arrival of 24 conventional takeoff and landing F-35As (due to commence in 2031) will replace both the Swedish-made jets and the Czech Republic’s ageing Aero L-159s.
During the meeting, both defence ministers also discussed European security, the Czech ammunition initiative, and the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle “as well as cooperation on Gripen aircraft”.
