On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Department of State approved a potential military sale of F-35 aircraft, munitions, and related equipment to the Czech Republic. The estimated value of the sale is $5.62 billion, although the final cost will depend on specific requirements, budget authorization, and the signing of sales agreements, if and when concluded.
The Czech Republic has officially requested the purchase of twenty-four F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft, along with twenty-five Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (24 installed, 1 spare). Additionally, the request includes a range of munitions such as seventy AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), three AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, eighty-six GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bombs – Increment II (SDB-II) Stormbreaker All-Up-Rounds (AUR), and more, totaling $5.62 billion.
With this $5.62 billion purchase request for 24 F-35 aircraft, the Czech Republic aims to enhance and modernize its air force, marking a significant development for its aviation and defense capabilities.