The State Department this week signed off on the sale of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II jet fighters to the Czech Republic in a deal price as much as $5.6 billion.

Included within the settlement can be a variety of spare components, gear and ammunition, together with bombs and air-to-air missiles.

The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Thursday notified Congress of the anticipated sale.

The State Department mentioned the sale of 24 F-35s will assist the international coverage and nationwide safety of the U.S. by bettering the safety of a NATO ally that it known as “a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”

“The Czech Republic will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the State Department mentioned. “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

Last 12 months, the Czech authorities mentioned it was trying into shopping for the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 jet fighters to interchange the Gripen fighters it leased from Sweden.

“Our decision to select this option is based on the analysis by the Czech armed forces, which clearly articulates that only the most advanced fifth-generation fighters will be able to meet mission requirements in future battlefields,” Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova mentioned.

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