The Czech Republic plans to soon transfer fighter jets to Ukraine with the special ability to repel and shoot down Russian drones.
The statement was confirmed on January 16 by Czech President Petr Pavel during an official meeting with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyywhich took place in Kyiv.
At a joint press conference, Pavel stated that Prague has opportunities to act in the short term. According to him, the Czech Republic can provide “several medium-sized combat aircraft that are very effective in countermeasures against drones”, and he emphasized the expectation of a quick and successful solution to the transfer.
Industrial cooperation and the program’s background
By 2023, the Czech military-industrial complex had already prepared a cooperation project with Ukraine for the joint production of the F/A-259 aircraft, developed by the company Aero Vodochody. The model is a direct development of the L-159 ALCA, a training aircraft and light attack aircraft that completed its maiden flight in August 1997.
F/A-259 operational capabilities
The F/A-259 is classified as a multirole attack aircraft, designed to operate from unprepared runways — a relevant characteristic in conflict scenarios with limited infrastructure. The aircraft has seven attachment points for weapons and sensors, allowing flexible use of different payload configurations.
As an option, the aircraft can be equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which significantly enhances its ability to detect and combat air targets, including small and medium-sized drones. In addition, the project allows adaptations and exchange of systems in accordance with each customer’s specific requirements.
A possible transfer of these aircraft to Ukraine strengthens military cooperation between Prague and Kyiv and is part of a wider context of European support for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities against the background of the intensive use of drones in the conflict.
Source and images: Aero Vodochody | X @prezidentpavel | Militarnyi. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
