The 14 Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighters operated by Czech Air Force has clocked 20,000 flight hours, since entry into service in 2005. Saab...
The 14 Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighters operated by Czech Air Force has clocked 20,000 flight hours, since entry into service in 2005.
Saab honored the Czech pilots from Čáslav Air Base, for reaching the milestone, during a ceremony at the 2015 NATO Days and Czech Air Force Days at Ostrava.
Czech operates these ex-Swedish Air Force Gripen fleet under lease from Sweden, which has been extended until 2029.
Four of the Czech Gripens were operationally deployed for air patrols over Iceland in August.
Saab has a significant presence in Central Europe, with the Czech Republic and Hungary each operating a 14-strong fleet of NATO-interoperable Gripen aircraft.
Elsewhere, Gripen fighters are flying with the air forces of Sweden, South Africa and Thailand.
Brazil has also ordered 36 Gripen NG aircraft. Alongside its Gripen activities in the Czech Republic.
