Two decades of Gripen fighters in the Czech Air Force – making the skies safe
On April 18, 2025, the Czech Armed Forces will mark the 20th anniversary of the first landing of the JAS-39C Gripen at Čáslav Airbase, which has since become a cornerstone of Czech air defense. Over these two decades, Gripen aircraft have not only protected Czech airspace but have also supported many NATO operations across Europe. Gripen’s operational availability and continuous modernizations ensure its continued combat effectiveness.
A new era of air defense
In the early 2000s, the Czech Republic’s outdated MiG-21s were ill-equipped for modern threats, especially after joining NATO in 1999. To strengthen its defense, the Czech Air Force sought new supersonic aircraft, with the Swedish JAS-39C Gripen emerging as the ideal choice. Sweden offered a unique leasing deal for brand-new Gripens, enabling the Czech Republic to quickly meet NATO’s air policing requirements. On June 14, 2004, the lease for 14 aircraft was signed, providing the Czech Air Force with advanced capabilities and ensuring national security.
A smooth integration
In less than a year, the Czech Air Force integrated the Gripen into service – trully record time confirming big commitment from both the Czech Air Force and Saab. By April 18, 2005, the first Gripens had arrived, and within months, they were on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) status, replacing the MiG-21s. The shift was transformative. While the MiG-21 pilot’s role had been largely reactive, the Gripen empowered pilots with advanced avionics, modern sensors, and greater autonomy in combat scenarios.
Michal Daněk, a former Gripen pilot who logged over 2,200 flying hours, recalls the early days. “In the beginning, our squadron could only cover air policing tasks. But as we gained more experience, we expanded our role. We quickly became one of NATO’s top air combat units,” he says. The addition of modern weaponry, such as the AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM missile in 2008, further enhanced Gripen's capabilities.
Expanding capabilities
The Czech Gripens underwent numerous upgrades over the years, constantly adapting to new challenges. In 2012, they gained Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) capabilities, allowing them to participate in NATO missions like the Icelandic Air Policing and Baltic Air Policing. New sensors, like the Litening 4i targeting pod, were integrated in 2018, enhancing their ground strike abilities.
From 2016, the Gripens received the MS20 software update, enabling use of the PS-05/A Mk3 radar and the Link 16 data link, improving interoperability with NATO forces. These updates allowed the Gripen to evolve into a more versatile aircraft, capable of performing a wider range of missions.
A future secured
Despite its modest fleet size of 14 aircraft, the Gripen has proven highly reliable, with Czech pilots flying over 38,000 hours since 2005. As they prepare for new challenges, the Gripen's legacy of flexibility, modernization capabilities and adaptability, and operational excellence remains intact. For now, the Czech Gripens will continue to safeguard both Czech and NATO airspace, including a planned deployment to Iceland in late May.