As the Czech Air Force starts to weigh up a possible replacement for its fleet of Saab 14 Gripen C/Ds, Lockheed Martin has revealed that both the F-35 and F-16 Block 70/72 have been offered, with the two-squadron requirement in the region of 18-24 aircraft.
The move comes a year after the Czech government issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a supersonic fighter solution. The current Gripen C/D lease deal expires in 2027, although there is a two-year option to extend it until 2029.
While the RFI did not specify the number of aircraft, Lockheed Martin is bidding with 18 F-16 Block 70/72s or F-35As. Meanwhile, the company's competition rival, Saab, is offering 24 Gripen C/D or E/Fs.
![F-35A Lightning II in flight [Lockheed Martin/Matthew Short]](https://fullfatthings-keyaero.b-cdn.net/sites/keyaero/files/inline-images/Lockheed%20Martin%20F-35A%20Lightning%20II%20%5BLockheed%20Martin%20-%20Matthew%20Short%5D%201_0.jpg)
