The F-35’s growing European presence strengthens interoperability

The Czech Republic government officially opted to procure 24 Lockheed Martin 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft, the company has said. Through the US government Foreign Military Sale, the Czech Air Force will receive its first aircraft in 2031, which will be in the latest advanced Block 4 configuration.

The procurement also includes personnel training, service and logistical support, and developing other support services to ensure successful deliveries of all 24 F-35s.

“We are pleased the government of the Czech Republic is now officially a part of the F-35 Lightning II program of record,” said US Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, program executive officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office. “This partnership with the Czech Ministry of Defense will deliver and sustain the F-35 aircraft for decades, while providing the Czech Air Force with unmatched interoperability and ensuring it has the capability to counter current and future threats.”

 “With the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance between the Czech Republic and US governments, the Czech Republic becomes the 18thnation to join the global F-35 program. We are honored to partner with the Czech Republic Air Force as its F-35s join other European nations in strengthening and growing interoperability, significantly increasing NATO’s deterrent capability,” added  Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. “The F-35 is the best solution for the Czech Republic’s future fighter fleet with 5th Generation capabilities enhancing the nation’s effectiveness in the 21st Century Security battlespace.”

The F-35 is the European aircraft of choice for replacing legacy fighter fleets, offering unmatched interoperability with NATO and other nations. By the 2030s, more than 600 F-35s will operate in more than 10 European countries, including two US F-35 squadrons stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath. It is also the only fighter aircraft in production today that will create jobs for the next 40-50 years and enable strategic industrial partnerships with the Czech industry.

F-35s are now operating from 32 bases worldwide. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 990 F-35s, trained more than 2,280 pilots and 15,400 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed nearly 773,000 cumulative flight hours. Lockheed Martin continues to work alongside F-35 operators to ensure allies remain ahead of the evolving threat.