In the week between February 6 and 10, another round of negotiations between the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic and representatives of the American administration regarding the possible acquisition of fifth-generation supersonic aircraft took place in Washington.
The aim of the meeting was to obtain more detailed information from the US, especially in the area of the project’s financing model, so that it takes into account the budget options of the Czech Republic. Security aspects related to operations, training of pilots and ground personnel, requirements for real estate infrastructure and opportunities for the involvement of Czech defense industry companies were also discussed. Representatives of the negotiating team also met with representatives of Lockheed Martin, which manufactures F-35 aircraft.
“The negotiations in the United States brought more detailed knowledge, especially about the possibilities and flexibility of financing this important project. With representatives of American government agencies and the American defense industry, we further discussed the details of the possible acquisition and operation of aircraft from the point of view of security or infrastructure preparation. It continues to be true that we strive for the most favorable conditions for the Czech Republic,” Blanka Cupáková, head of the negotiation team and senior director of the economic section, summarized the visit.
In order to support industrial cooperation in connection with the F-35 project, the head of the negotiation team also met with Czech economic diplomats from the North American Trade and Economic Team at the embassy in Washington.