– We have now reached an option that is significantly more advantageous for the Czech Republic. We have negotiated a discount of approximately 25 percent compared to the original offer, says Lubor Koudelka, head of the Ministry of Defense's procurement section, in a press release from the ministry.
The new proposal includes continued operational use of the Gripen system between 2027 and 2035. The package also includes service, maintenance, and pilot training. The number of aircraft is proposed to be adjusted from the current 14 to 12, of which ten are single-seat and two are two-seat, model C and D respectively. According to the Czech Air Force's assessment, the reduced fleet is sufficient as the country's ordered F-35s from the USA will gradually be phased in from 2031.
– Even with a lower number of aircraft, we will be able to fulfill our air defense tasks, says Major General Petr Čepelka, head of the Czech Air Force.
According to the press release, the total cost of the Swedish proposal for leasing, service, and training amounts to approximately 16.65 billion Czech koruna including VAT. Of this, 3.9 billion koruna is intended for a modernization program for the aircraft. Modernization has also taken place previously under the current agreement, which runs from 2015 to 2027.
In September 2024, Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) signed a declaration of intent with the Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová to strengthen defense cooperation between the countries. The declaration of intent included, among other things, extended cooperation regarding the Gripen system after 2027.