The Czech Republic, a strategic NATO partner in Central Europe, is nearing an agreement with Swedish aerospace company Saab to extend the lease of 12 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets until 2035, with the deal valued at approximately $675 million. This decision comes amid delays in the delivery of 24 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft, which are not expected to arrive before 2031.
This extension, reported by Opex360 on April 9, 2025, serves as a crucial bridge for the Czech Air Force, maintaining its operational capabilities in a period of growing global tension. However, beneath the surface of this practical stopgap lies a complex web of industrial competition, geopolitical strategy, and the balancing act of European defense priorities.
For over 20 years, the Czech Republic has depended on the Gripen, a versatile, lightweight fighter designed by Saab for a wide range of missions, including air defense and ground attack. Initially leased in 2004, the Gripen fleet, which included 12 single-seat Gripen C models and two twin-seat Gripen D variants, replaced aging Soviet-era MiG-21s. The initial lease, set for 10 years, was extended in 2014 through 2027, reflecting Prague’s satisfaction with the aircraft’s performance and cost-efficiency.
Now, with the F-35s still a decade away, the Czech Ministry of Defense is set to finalize a new agreement, reducing the fleet to 12 jets and securing them for an additional eight years. Negotiations for this extension were not straightforward, with Saab’s initial offer last September rejected due to excessive costs. Saab subsequently revised the proposal, reducing the price by around 25 percent to a total of approximately 675 million euros, which includes maintenance and pilot training.
This decision also highlights the ongoing competition between Saab and Lockheed Martin, two giants of the aerospace industry. The F-35 represents the pinnacle of American military technology, offering advanced capabilities in electronic warfare, sensor fusion, and survivability. However, delays in the F-35 program—compounded by supply chain issues and high demand—have left the Czech Air Force facing a potential four-year capability gap after the Gripen lease ends.
Saab, recognizing the opportunity, has proposed a cost-effective solution that aligns with Czech budget constraints and operational needs. Despite losing out on the long-term contract to Lockheed Martin, Saab has maintained a foothold in the Czech market through this strategic offer, emphasizing affordability and operational flexibility.
The Gripen, with a top speed of Mach 2 and a combat radius of 500 miles, is a highly capable multirole aircraft that remains competitive despite the rise of next-generation fighters. Its low operating costs—estimated at $4,700 per flight hour—contrast sharply with the F-35’s $44,000, making it an attractive option for nations facing budgetary constraints.
Geopolitically, this situation underscores the Czech Republic’s reliance on NATO for defense, especially in the context of heightened concerns over Russian aggression, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine. The F-35 purchase is seen as a major step in cementing ties with the U.S. and ensuring access to cutting-edge technology. However, the Gripen extension signals a recognition that European alternatives like Saab’s jet continue to hold strategic value, particularly when U.S. delivery schedules falter.
The Czech Air Force has relied heavily on the Gripen in NATO operations since 2005, participating in missions such as air policing over Iceland and the Baltic states, as well as contributing to the Lion Effort exercise with Hungary and Sweden in 2019. The aircraft’s proven reliability, including its role in patrolling Slovakian skies in 2024, further reinforces its importance in the Czech defense strategy.
Despite the reduced fleet size and optimized flight hours, challenges remain. The Czech Air Force may face limitations in readiness and training, particularly in maintaining continuous air policing commitments. The Gripen’s aging airframes will also require modernization, with an estimated cost of $158 million, but Prague is prepared to invest in these upgrades.
This extension may have broader implications for European defense. As other nations, like Poland and Norway, experience delays in F-35 deliveries, Saab’s Gripen offers a viable “Plan B” for countries facing similar challenges. Hungary’s recent expansion of its Gripen fleet further exemplifies the continued relevance of Saab’s offering in a market where the F-35’s delivery issues are becoming more pronounced.
While the F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities and cutting-edge avionics make it a formidable opponent in high-end combat scenarios, the Gripen offers a practical, affordable alternative for nations like the Czech Republic, which must balance the ambition of future technologies with the realities of immediate defense needs.
Saab’s persistence in the Czech market reflects its strategic resilience. Despite setbacks in securing major contracts, such as those with Finland and Switzerland, Saab has carved out a niche in providing reliable, cost-effective alternatives for European nations. The Gripen E, with its advanced radar and engine, is now entering service in countries like Sweden and Brazil, though the Czech deal focuses on the older Gripen C/D models.
This situation also points to broader questions about Europe’s defense strategy. The F-35, while highly capable, presents logistical and financial challenges for smaller nations. The Czech Republic’s decision to extend its Gripen fleet reflects a pragmatic approach, blending European and American platforms to hedge against potential risks.
As tensions rise globally, the need for reliable and capable defense systems will only increase. The Czech Republic’s decision serves as a reminder that, while the F-35 promises future superiority, the Gripen continues to play a vital role in ensuring immediate security. This balance of ambition and practicality could set a precedent for other European nations looking to navigate the complex landscape of defense procurement.
