Minister Vernochova and Ambassador Sabet met in the capital Prague. During the meeting, a defense agreement was signed regarding the sale of 24 F-35s, which was frequently reported in the country’s press.
While the Czech Republic is expected to purchase its first aircraft in 2031; All shipments are planned to be made by 2035. It was reported that the warplanes in question will replace the Swedish-made “Saab JAS 39 Gripen” model aircraft currently used in the country.
GREECE WILL ALSO BUY 40 UNITS
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also announced that his country was on the path to purchasing F-35s with the letter they received from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Mitsotakis stated that the letter Blinken sent to him showed the strategic depth of US-Greece relations.
The Greek Prime Minister said, “With this letter, Greece is on the path to purchasing 40 F-35s, but it is also acquiring an armament package that will strengthen all three branches of the Armed Forces and the Greek Coast Guard, completely free of charge.” he said. In the letter he sent to Mitsotakis, Blinken pointed out the necessity of the official approval process, including Congressional approval, and stated that in addition to the sale of approximately 40 new F-35s to Greece, 3 Protector-class coast guard boats and various military trucks and vehicles within the scope of the Redundant Defense Material (EDA) Program. He stated that a tow truck would be provided.
In the letter, it was stated that among the other military vehicles and equipment reported to the Congress to be donated to Greece from the US army’s inventory within the scope of the EDA Program, there were 2 C130H military transport aircraft, 10 engines for P-3 maritime patrol aircraft and 60 Bradley type armored combat vehicles.
Blinken noted that they would notify Congress so that 4 surplus LCS class warships from the US Navy could be given to Greece. The estimated price of 40 F-35 fighter jets is $8.6 billion.
