(F-35A). Curiously, the Eurofighter Typhoon was not seriously considered. It is a public secret the Lightning II was a clear favourite due to its stealth technology and transformational capabilities. Recent public controversy (June) about a Swedish offer to transfer the current fleet free of charge, in effect precluding the necessity for new platforms, did not help the case for Gripen. The F-35 carried the day as an ultimate solution, aligned with the fact the programme is turning into a future standard for NATO allies as a successor to the F-16, with ten countries already operating it. Moreover, it has been recently selected (2019–2022) not just by additional NATO allies (Poland, Germany, Canada, Greece) but also by neutral countries (Finland, Switzerland). Adoption of the 5th-generation platform necessitates major infrastructure upgrade of the 21st Tactical Air Force Base (Cáslav), the only facility operating Czech combat aircraft. Despite a doubling of force levels and a marked increase in capability, the eventual Czech F-35A fleet would still be the smallest in Europe. Due to its high acquisition and operational costs, it could also potentially crowd out funding for other concurrent modernization priorities as the ACR still lacks any long-range air defence or precision fires capabilities. In addition, long lead times will almost surely necessitate a further extension of Gripen. Another option would be to consider delivery of planes currently earmarked for the USAF or even used aircraft, but that would defy the main reason for the deal. Depending on the selected configuration, associated weaponry, sustainment and training package, the price could reach over $4 billion. In Czech service, the F-35A would complement a fleet of four Bell AH-1Z Viper attack and eight UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey) transport helicopters already on order (2019), to be delivered from 2023. Their numbers will increase to 20 as the US recently decided to donate an additional six Vipers and two Venoms under the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme (August). These used airframes are currently in Hawaii and could be handed over to the ACR in late 2023. Both types will be progressively replacing the legacy force of 17 Mi-24/35 and 23 Mi-8/17/171 helicopters. The Czech Republic will become the sole foreign operator of the UH-1Y and one of only two (with Bahrain) of the AH-1Z. The Czech Cabinet recently made a decision to proceed with the most consequential acquisition programmes in the country’s history (20 July), in an effort to fulfil its NATO obligations to reach the 2% GDP defence spending target by 2025. The Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) will boost the inventory of its Air Force with 24 F-35A Lightning II combat aircraft, while its Land Forces will procure an unspecified number of BAE Systems‘ CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), manufactured by its Swedish subsidiary Hägglunds. If both programmes go ahead, they will represent a step change in Czech military capabilities and provide modern, modular and networked platforms for decades to come, destined for combined and joint multi-domain operations with NATO allies. This landmark decision is a direct result of Russia’s war on Ukraine (February) and its multi-faceted campaign against the West. Despite the fact that recapitalization of both jet aircraft and tracked vehicle fleets has been long overdue, each has had a different dynamic and timetable. Gripen or Lightning? The Czech Air Force has successfully operated the 211th Tactical Squadron of 14 Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen (12 single-seat and two twoseat trainers) since 2005, under a leasing arrangement with Sweden. The original agreement (2004) was extended in 2014 until 2027, with an additional option until 2029. The search for a replacement started only last year but was accelerated by the Russian aggression, coinciding with the conclusion of an internal analysis. The Cabinet’s decision is the beginning of the acquisition process, envisaging negotiations with the US administration, to be concluded by October 2023. If there is no viable agreement, all possibilities remain on the table. Originally, there were three basic options: another extension of current capability (Gripen C/D), move to a new generation (Gripen E/F) – both minimizing infrastructure costs – or selection of a more advanced system Tomás Chlebecek Czech Republic to Procure F-35 and CV90 56 · MT 5/2022 Special Feature
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