Czechs set to provide Ukraine with drone-fighting jets, president says
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) welcoming Czech counterpart Petr Pavel to Kyiv on Jan 16.
PHOTO: AFP
- Czech Republic will soon supply Ukraine with combat planes effective against drones, potentially Czech-made L-159 fighter jets.
- Prague may also provide early-warning systems such as passive radars, according to President Petr Pavel's announcement in Kyiv.
- Czech Republic, a strong supporter of Ukraine, continues to provide aid but will not use any national funding.
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KYIV - The Czech Republic is set to provide Ukraine with combat planes shortly that can shoot down incoming drones, President Petr Pavel told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Jan 16.
He did not give specifics but two years ago said Czech-made subsonic L-159 fighter jets could be transferred to Ukraine, which has been fighting a full-scale Russian invasion for almost four years.
“The Czech Republic can in relatively short time provide several medium combat planes, which are highly effective in fighting drones, and I believe we will manage to quickly and successfully conclude this issue,” Mr Pavel told a news conference with Mr Zelensky.
He said Prague might also supply early-warning systems such as passive radars.
Mr Pavel, a former army general and head of NATO’s Military Committee, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and a Czech-led initiative supplying Kyiv with large-calibre ammunition paid for by Western donors.
A new Czech government led by populist Andrej Babis has agreed to continue the initiative, but pledged not to provide any national funding for aid to Ukraine.
The Czech army has 24 L-159 planes in one- and two-seat configurations, used for training and support for ground forces. Its main fighter jets are 14 Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripens, but it has ordered 24 American F-35 fighters for delivery after 2030.
Under its previous government, the Czech Republic gave Ukraine heavy equipment including tanks and helicopters from army stocks and received compensation from NATO allies as it rearms with Western weaponry. REUTERS
