F-35 pilot training center to be established in Czech Republic

One of the two certified training centers for F-35 fighter aircraft pilots in Europe will be established in the Czech Republic.

The Czech publication e15 reported on this.

This became possible after the Czech Republic decided to purchase 24 such fighters for its Air Force.

The agreements with the Americans provide for industrial cooperation with Czech companies.

As part of the cooperation, the Czech state-owned company LOM Praha and its subsidiary VR Group are finalizing an agreement with the US corporation Lockheed Martin.

The agreement includes the transfer of technologies and methods of pilot training, including the supply of F-35 simulators. This will allow the Czech company to train not only dozens of Czech Air Force pilots but also hundreds of pilots from other European countries.

Thus, training pilots can generate significant financial revenue for LOM.

The agreement between LOM and Lockheed is expected to be signed early next year. Details and the final value of the contract are currently being finalized. The development of cooperation is the result of a framework memorandum signed by both sides during NATO Days in September this year.

The agreement between LOM and Lockheed is expected to be signed early next year. Details and the final value of the contract are currently being finalized. The development of cooperation is the result of a framework memorandum signed by both sides during NATO Days in September this year.

The Czech side is also already holding unofficial preliminary talks with European F-35 users about training their pilots in the future.

The training of Czech pilots on the F-35A will take place in three stages. Basic training will be held in the Czech Republic on an L-39NG jet trainer. After that, the Czech pilots will travel to the United States, where they will train on F-35A fighter jets. If the Czech Ministry of Defense agrees, the final third phase of training will be conducted at an air base in the Czech city of Čáslav.

LOM and VR Group are two of eleven Czech companies that will participate in industrial cooperation with Lockheed Martin. Another company expected to sign a contract by the end of the year is PBS Velka Bites.

The industrial cooperation is part of the Czech Republic’s $6.47 billion program to purchase 24 F-35As, create the appropriate infrastructure, and order aviation weapons and logistics.