The Swedish ambassador to the Czech Republic, Fredrik Jörgensen, revealed in an interview with Seznam Zprávy, a Czech news website, that Sweden is ready to offer the Czech Republic a free transfer of Gripens rented from Stockholm.

Czech media quotes Fredrik Jörgensen as proverb“It is possible to transfer these currently leased aircraft to the Czech Republic at virtually zero cost. They have already been paid; it is like a leased car.”

“We would consider them worthwhile, and based on this we could expand the collaboration system to include the C-Series Gripens or the E-Series Gripens,” he added.

The news comes when the Czech government is considering buying 24 fighter jets as the lease for Gripens expires in 2027. The report noted that the US-made F-35 stealth fighter is the leading challenger to this contract.

The government may act on this issue in July. “The government should probably address the future of supersonic flights in July. It will be a political decision based on the army’s expert recommendation, which evaluates possible alternatives,” Defense Minister Jana Černochová (ODS) told Seznam Zprávy.

The Czech Republic has made it clear that it does not want fighter aircraft in the form of a leasing agreement but instead intends to buy 24 fighter jets or two squadrons. However, the Minister is hesitant to explain his current preference for a particular side. The Americans have a stronger negotiating position, claims Seznam Zprávy.

Several sources, including Seznam Zprávy, have reported that the current administration is planning to buy US fighter jets. However, the report said that the Swedes do not give up and will continue to lobby the Czech Republic for the purchase of their Gripens until the very last minute.

Sweden offers a better offer?

By offering to take over Gripen’s current squadron, the Swedish government is trying at the last minute to influence the Czech government’s plans in its favor.

The Swedish ambassador emphasized that Saab, a Swedish manufacturer, can deliver fighter aircraft faster. In addition, he believes that Prague will not need to modify the existing infrastructure for the new aircraft.

Saab offers the new E-series Gripens to Prague. In addition to being one of the best fighter jets in the world, the new E-Series Gripens is also very affordable, said the ambassador.

2004, Czech Republic signed a contract to lease 12 Gripen C / D fighter aircraft from Sweden in the single-seater version and two in the two-seater version. The lease expires in 2027 and can be extended for another two years. Stockholm is once again trying to attract Czechs to consider buying their fighter jets.

“The aircraft is currently rented. Therefore, we would consider them repaid, and we could leave them in the Czech Republic for free. These are fourteen Gripen C / D machines currently used by the Air Force of the Czech Republic Army, which may undergo significant modernization. In the future, we can expand the collaboration to also include the E-series Gripens ”, the Swedish Embassy told iDNES.cz.

Duan Rovensk, a military analyst, agrees that the Czech army would find it easier to switch to newer Gripens. “If the Czech Republic decided to buy Gripens, it would simplify training and logistical support. Pilots of the current C / D Gripens would undoubtedly retrain to the E / F Gripens much faster than a brand new aircraft type. ”

“Similarly, new ways of ground safety would not have to be purchased, but the current ones would suffice. Both of these things would undoubtedly reduce the purchase price of the new Gripens, ”says Rovensky.

Nevertheless, the Swedish aircraft manufacturer has already lost the bid for 64 Finnish aircraft for the F-35 stealth fighter aircraft in December 2021 and undoubtedly does not want to experience a similar situation in the Prague case.

Czech attitude

“The Ministry of Defense has no offer from Sweden, which the Czech Republic wants to offer for free transfer of the currently used Gripen fighter aircraft,” the Czech side replied. Similarly, Defense Minister Jana Ernochová (ODS), who is currently attending the NATO summit, says she is unaware of the offer.

“This is completely new information for me. Here at the Madrid summit, the Swedish side did not say anything about that effect, nor did it suggest anything. Therefore, I can only comment on a possible offer after I have received it officially and familiarized myself with the details. , she says.

At the same time, many Czech politicians also support the acquisition of American fighter jets. For example, Jan Bartoek (KDU-SL), Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, has a liking for American combatants. He believes that it is favorable for the government to make a decision on the purchase at the right time.

“Yes, let’s get the best on the market for our army. The platform makes sense to me because many neighboring countries will have it, ”referring to the fact that many European nations, including Finland and Poland, have ordered American fighter jets.