The Czech Ministry of Defence has reached a new lease agreement for Swedish-made Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets in order to maintain its current air power and bridge the transition period until F-35 jets are integrated into the inventory. Under the new contract, 12 Gripen aircraft are expected to remain in service until 2035.
25% Discounted Deal Approved
The new agreement, valued at approximately USD 732 million, offers a 25% cost advantage compared to the Swedish proposal submitted in 2024. Secured through extensive negotiations by the Ministry of Defence, this discount will ease the budget of the Czech Air Force while ensuring operational continuity.
Gripens to Remain in Service Until F-35 Deliveries Begin
With the current Gripen lease set to expire in 2027, concerns had been raised about a potential gap in air defence capability. The new lease serves as a critical bridge until the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II jets—ordered in 2024—begin phased service between 2031 and 2035.
Strategic Reduction to 12-Aircraft Fleet
The new agreement includes 10 single-seat Gripen C and 2 dual-seat Gripen D aircraft. While the number of jets has been reduced from 14 to 12, this move is expected to yield significant cost savings without compromising operational capabilities. Czech Air Force Commander Major General Petr Čepelka emphasised that the reduced fleet is sufficient for national airspace protection and that pilot training will continue without disruption.
Modernisation Package Included
The agreement also features a modernisation package designed to extend the operational life of the current Gripen aircraft. This upgrade is considered crucial to enable the jets to adapt to evolving combat conditions and maintain a high operational tempo.
Key Technical Features of the Gripen
The Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets are equipped with advanced PS-05/A X-band Doppler radar and can be armed with modern missiles such as IRIS-T, Meteor, and AIM-120 AMRAAM. The aircraft also offer multi-role capabilities with air-to-ground munitions like the AGM-65 Maverick. Notable for their rapid sortie rates, ability to take off from short runways, and low operational costs, Gripens can even operate from airstrips as short as 500 metres.
Transition to F-35A Era Begins
The extension of the Gripens’ operational service until 2035 aligns with the Czech Republic’s transition to the F-35A programme. Under the agreement with the United States, pilot and technician training will commence in 2029, with four F-35s to be delivered each year starting in 2031. Full operational capability is expected by 2035.
Reported to NATO, Strategic Planning Continues
The fleet downsizing as part of the new lease has been reported to NATO and integrated into joint air defence planning. While the Ministry of Defence expressed satisfaction with the Gripen fleet’s performance, it also noted that due to aging and technological limitations, replacing this platform with fifth-generation fighter aircraft will become essential after 2035.
