In a move that secures the Czech Republic’s air defense capabilities through the next decade, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has agreed to a new offer from Sweden to extend the lease of 12 JAS-39 Gripen C/D fighter jets until 2035. The extension bridges the critical operational gap before the full introduction of the U.S.-made F-35A Lightning II, which is expected to arrive in the Czech Republic starting in 2031.
The deal, valued at 16.65 billion CZK (roughly $732 million), includes not only the lease of the aircraft but also their servicing, pilot training, and an upgrade package aimed at extending the aircrafts’ combat relevance. It marks a significant development in the Czech Air Force’s (CzAF) long-term strategy, emphasizing continuity, cost efficiency, and readiness amid sweeping technological upgrades in the defense sector.
The Czech Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024 to acquire 24 F-35A fighters from the United States. The aircraft represent a generational leap over the Gripen C/Ds in both capability and survivability. However, with deliveries of the F-35 expected to span from 2031 to 2035, the country faced a looming capability gap from 2027, when the existing Gripen lease was due to expire.
Rather than risk a reduction in operational readiness or costly short-term stopgap solutions, the MoD reopened negotiations with the Swedish government and Saab. The goal was clear: secure an affordable, reliable lease extension that would support the Czech Air Force until the F-35s are ready for front-line duty.
The result was a markedly improved offer compared to earlier proposals. Negotiations had been ongoing for nearly two years, with the first Swedish offer rejected for failing to meet expectations. According to Lubor Koudelka, Senior Director of the Armaments and Acquisitions Section at the MoD, the final deal reflects “a 25 percent discount” from the initial Swedish proposals. “We have now arrived at a variant that is significantly more advantageous for the Czech Republic,” he said.
The extension will cover 12 out of the 14 Gripens currently in Czech service—10 single-seat JAS-39Cs and two dual-seat JAS-39Ds. Though fewer than the original 14 aircraft leased in 2004, the MoD and the Czech Air Force believe that 12 jets are sufficient to fulfill national air policing and NATO obligations.
The cost—16.65 billion CZK over eight years—translates to approximately $91.5 million per year, covering leasing, maintenance, upgrades, and training. Interestingly, the lease cost itself is not the primary expenditure. According to the MoD, much of the cost is driven by the aging nature of the aircraft—now entering their third decade of service—and the associated rise in maintenance and operational costs.
“Over the past 20 years, labor market prices and material prices have increased significantly in the military aviation sector,” the MoD said in a statement. To account for these trends and avoid future cost overruns, the contract has been indexed to reflect current and expected price developments in the defense sector.
One of the most critical aspects of the agreement is a modernization package valued at 3.9 billion CZK ($174 million). This upgrade initiative is designed to keep the Gripen fleet relevant in a changing tactical environment marked by new threats and technologies.
The Czech MoD has not disclosed the exact scope of the upgrades, but the Swedish Air Force is currently modernizing its own Gripen C/D fleet under an “obsolescence management” program. If the Czech upgrade mirrors Sweden’s, it could involve enhancements to radar systems, avionics, communications, and weapons integration, possibly elevating the aircraft to the MS20 Block 3 or Block 4 standard.
“The aircraft were or will be modernized already during the current lease period,” the MoD added, suggesting that some improvements are already underway and will continue through the new lease cycle.
Major General Petr Čepelka, commander of the Czech Air Force, emphasized that the Gripen extension provides more than just air defense continuity—it also supports the broader modernization strategy.
“The current Swedish offer is acceptable from the point of view of the Czech Air Force Command. Even with a lower number of aircraft, we will be able to fulfill the tasks of protecting the airspace of the Czech Republic,” Čepelka said.
He also pointed to the role of the Gripen fleet in training the next generation of Czech fighter pilots. Many of the future F-35 pilots will come from the current Gripen cadre, making the continuity of aircraft availability crucial for both operations and human capital development.
“The core of the new F-35 pilots will be JAS-39 Gripen pilots,” he noted. This smooth transition is not just about machinery but also about preparing personnel for the leap into fifth-generation warfare.
This agreement comes at a time when the Czech Republic, like many NATO members, is investing heavily in modernizing its military amid deteriorating global security conditions. The war in Ukraine, rising tensions with Russia, and a renewed focus on European defense autonomy have all contributed to increased defense spending and strategic recalibrations across the continent.
For the Czech Republic, the Gripen-F-35 transition reflects a broader strategy: investing in interoperable, future-proof systems while avoiding gaps in readiness. The continuation of the Gripen lease also aligns with NATO’s emphasis on maintaining high readiness levels across member states.
Moreover, the Czech Republic remains the only country set to operate both the Gripen and the F-35 simultaneously, at least for a few years. This dual capability may offer unique operational insights and interoperability experience that few other countries possess.
The Czech Republic first signed a 10-year lease for 14 Gripens in 2004, valued at 19.65 billion CZK ($867 million at current exchange rates). That deal marked a turning point in the Czech Air Force’s modernization, replacing its Soviet-era MiG-21s with NATO-compatible aircraft. The lease was extended once already, running through 2027.
Gripens have since become an integral part of Czech airspace defense and NATO quick reaction alert duties. They are based at the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Čáslav and have regularly participated in joint exercises and deployments, including Baltic Air Policing missions.
That long-standing relationship with Sweden has informed the current negotiations. While no official statement has been released by the Swedish Ministry of Defense, FMV, or Saab, the final agreement appears to have been shaped by mutual understanding and strategic pragmatism.
The MoD has indicated that if the offer is deemed acceptable by the Czech Army and other relevant authorities, a draft contract will be submitted to the government. The goal is to have the deal signed before the end of the current government’s term, ensuring continuity across administrations.
From 2027 to 2035, the Gripens will continue to serve as the front-line defenders of Czech airspace, with the gradual inclusion of the F-35s beginning in 2031. By 2035, if the delivery timeline remains on track, the Czech Air Force will have fully transitioned to the F-35 platform.
In the meantime, the extended Gripen lease offers a reliable, tested, and cost-effective solution that keeps the country’s air defense secure and operationally sound.
