Lockheed Martin has finalized industrial partnership agreements linked to the Czech Republic’s procurement of F-35 Lightning II jets.
The agreements consist of 11 cooperation frameworks that will allow the US firm to work closely with Czech industry, reinforcing local manufacturing and support capabilities under the program. This development follows a separate deal with Ray Services to produce wire harness components for the aircraft.
The Czech government signed an MoU with the United States in 2024 for the purchase of 24 F-35s, having announced the plan in 2023 to replace its fleet of Gripen fighter jets before their retirement by 2030.
Under the program, Lockheed Martin will engage with 12 Czech companies and academic institutions, supporting long-term employment, skills development, supply chain participation, and aircraft sustainment. Production activities are set to begin in 2027, with benefits expected to extend over several decades.
