Czechia has confirmed the extension of its lease agreement for twelve JAS 39C/D Gripen fighters operated by the Vzdušné síly Armády České republiky (Czech Air Force). The new contract will run from 2027 through 2035 ensuring continued operational capability until the arrival of its next-generation fighters.
The Czech Air Force first introduced the Gripen in 2004 under a twelve-year lease agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). This was later extended and the latest announcement secures the aircraft for nearly another decade.
Looking ahead Prague expects delivery of its first F-35A Lightning II in 2033 as part of an order for 24 aircraft. The extended Gripen lease guarantees that the Czech Air Force will avoid a capability gap as it transitions to fifth-generation fighters.
