First Group of Czech Pilots Begins F-35 Training in the United States
The first group of pilots from the Czech Republic has begun a training course in the United States to fly F-35 fighter jets in simulators, Radio Prague International reports. The training is taking place at the Lockheed Martin training centre.
A group of eight Czech army servicemen, consisting of pilots from the 21st Tactical Air Base in Chaslava and representatives of the F-35 project team, left for a week-long training in the United States on 2 February, the Czech Air Force website reports. According to them, the purpose of the training on the simulator was not the flight itself, but primarily to get acquainted with the equipment and its real capabilities.
Earlier in September 2023, the Czech government approved the purchase of 24 F-35A Lightning II aircraft. The Czech Republic will pay 106 billion croons for the fighters, related equipment, training, ammunition, and life cycle support. Additional money will be needed, for example, to modernise the Chaslava airbase. In total, the aircraft will cost CZK 150 billion, making it the most expensive acquisition for the Czech military.
The first F-35s for the Czech Republic are due in 2029, and all F-35s are expected to arrive in the Czech Republic by 2035.
