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Czech Prime Minister Rules Out Selling L-159 Jets to Ukraine

Officials cite the fleet’s active service following the president’s disclosure of Ukrainian interest.

Overview

  • Prime Minister Andrej Babis said Czechia will not sell L-159 aircraft to Ukraine because the Czech Army needs every jet in service.
  • Defence Minister Jaromir Zuna told coalition leaders the aircraft remain in use with service life to 2040 and none are idle in hangars.
  • Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said President Petr Pavel did not consult the government and that his remarks made a transfer less likely.
  • Pavel said after talks in Kyiv that Ukraine views the L-159 as suitable for countering large and fast drones and is prepared to purchase the jets.
  • Negotiations exploring lease, donation or sale have continued for at least six months without agreement, and parliamentary leaders have ruled out donation.