The US State Department has approved a potential $5.6 billion sale of 24 Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to the Czech Republic. The deal also includes various weapons, parts, and equipment. The sale aims to enhance the Czech Republic’s defense capabilities and support NATO operations in the region. The 24 fighters will be F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) variants, similar to those flown by the US Air Force. The Czech Republic chose the F-35 over other options based on the analysis by its armed forces, which emphasized the need for advanced fifth-generation fighters. In addition to the fighters, the deal encompasses missiles, bombs, electronic warfare and radio capabilities, classified software, software development, and 25 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines. The final cost of the deal may be lower than $5.6 billion, depending on final requirements and agreements. The approval by the US Congress is also required but unlikely to be an obstacle. If the sale proceeds, the Czech Republic will become the tenth foreign military buyer of the F-35, joining the seven existing foreign partners in the program.
Source: breakingdefense.com
