Czech Republic Set to Soar: US State Department Greenlights F-35 Deal
The Pentagon revealed on Thursday that the U.S. State Department has authorized the transaction for F-35 combat aircraft, munitions, and related apparatus to the Czech Republic. The arrangement, estimated to be as high as $5.62 billion, has been communicated to Congress by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The key contractors engaged in this prospective sale will include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing. The Czech administration had indicated its desire last year to acquire 24 F-35 jets as replacements for the Gripen fighters leased from Sweden’s Saab AB.
Alongside the combat aircraft, the approved package encompasses a spare engine, 70 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), various bomb types, support gear, spare components, and technical assistance, as stated by the Pentagon.
It is crucial to emphasize that while the State Department has provided authorization, this notification does not imply the endorsement of a contract or the finalization of discussions.
