US Approves $5.62 Billion Sale of F-35 Fighter Jets to Czech Republic
- Sale of Patriot missiles to Poland was approved on Wednesday
- Invasion of Ukraine, China tensions make F-35 more alluring
A F-35 fighter jet.
Photographer: Bo Amstrup/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The US approved the sale of as many as 24 F-35 fighter jets to the Czech Republic, the second big weapons offer in as many days to a NATO partner boosting its security after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The package, valued at as much as $5.62 billion, requires congressional approval and could take years to complete. Under the deal, the Czech Republic would get Lockheed Martin Corp.’s premier fighter aircraft along with engines, air-to-air missiles, bombs, Sidewinder missiles, communications gear and support.