Ukraine and Czech Republic Expand Military Aircraft Deliveries, Energy Support, and Gas Extraction Talks

Deputy Prime Minister of Czech Republic Visits Ukraine

According to Рубрика — Політика: During the visit of Czech Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček to Ukraine, he held significant talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The discussions focused on enhancing military-technical and energy cooperation between the two countries. A key point was the planned delivery of 12 additional L-39 aircraft, adding to the four L-39 jets that the Czech Republic had already committed to supply.

The visit also featured the inauguration of a Ukrainian-Czech business forum and a tour of a Ukrainian nuclear power plant with Prime Minister Shmyhal. Conversations included potential expansion of gas extraction projects for Czech companies and Czech assistance in restoring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following damage from Russian attacks.

Details on Military Cooperation and Aircraft

Karel Havlíček commented,

"Now the discussion is about an additional 12 aircraft, and preliminary indications suggest this agreement could be implemented."

He also noted with some surprise that

"security allowed this to happen."

Among the technical aspects reviewed were the Aero L-159 ALCA jets-Czech-made trainer and light attack aircraft. The L-159 had its maiden flight on August 2, 1997, and made its public debut at the SIAD-1999 airshow in Bratislava on June 5–6, 1999. The single-seat L-159 ALCA was adopted by the Czech Air Force in 2001, followed by the two-seat L-159T in 2007. Today, the L-159 serves in the air forces of the Czech Republic, Iraq, and the private military contractor Draken International.

The Czech military operates 24 L-159 jets in both single- and two-seat variants. The nation’s primary fighters are 14 Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripens. Additionally, the Czech Republic has ordered 24 American F-35 fighters, with deliveries expected after 2030.

The talks also encompassed the potential delivery of MiG-29 fighters from Poland and Slovakia to Ukraine. On January 15, 2026, it was revealed that Poland might transfer fewer than 10 MiG-29s. Earlier, in May 2023, Ukraine received 14 Soviet-era MiG-29s from Poland, and in 2023, the Slovak government approved sending 13 MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine.

Overall, Karel Havlíček’s visit marks a significant step forward in deepening defense and energy collaboration between the Czech Republic and Ukraine, reinforcing bilateral ties amid ongoing challenges.

This engagement highlights the growing partnership between the two countries as Ukraine faces pressing security and energy hurdles. The intensified military-technical cooperation, particularly the aircraft deliveries, reflects Czechia’s increasing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities.