Finance
Czechs set to provide Ukraine with drone-fighting jets, president says
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 16, 2026
Last updated: January 16, 2026
Czech Republic to Supply Ukraine with Combat Jets for Drone Defense
Czech Military Support for Ukraine
KYIV, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic is set to provide Ukraine with combat planes shortly that can shoot down incoming drones, President Petr Pavel told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Friday.
Details of the Jet Supply
He did not give specifics but two years ago said Czech-made subsonic L-159 fighter jets could be transferred to Ukraine, which has been fighting a full-scale Russian invasion for almost four years.
Previous Military Aid to Ukraine
"The Czech Republic can in relatively short time provide several medium combat planes, which are highly effective in fighting drones, and I believe we will manage to quickly and successfully conclude this issue," Pavel told a news conference with Zelenskiy.
Government Support and Initiatives
He said Prague might also supply early-warning systems such as passive radars.
Pavel, a former army general and head of NATO's Military Committee, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and a Czech-led initiative supplying Kyiv with large-calibre ammunition paid for by Western donors.
A new Czech government led by populist Andrej Babis has agreed to continue the initiative but pledged not to provide any national funding for aid to Ukraine.
The Czech army has 24 L-159 planes in one- and two-seat configurations, used for training and support for ground forces. Its main fighter jets are 14 Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripens, but it has ordered 24 American F-35 fighters for delivery after 2030.
Under its previous government, the Czech Republic gave Ukraine heavy equipment including tanks and helicopters from army stocks and received compensation from NATO allies as it rearms with Western weaponry.
(Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Frequently Asked Questions about Czechs set to provide Ukraine with drone-fighting jets, president says
1What is military aid?
Military aid refers to assistance provided by one country to another in the form of weapons, equipment, training, or financial support to enhance military capabilities.
2What are combat jets?
Combat jets are military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat against other aircraft, or for ground attack missions.
3What is a drone defense system?
A drone defense system is a set of technologies and strategies designed to detect, track, and neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) that may pose a threat.
4What is the role of a president in military decisions?
The president typically plays a crucial role in military decisions, including authorizing military aid, deploying forces, and setting defense policy.
5What is a fighter jet?
A fighter jet is a fast military aircraft designed for air-to-air combat, capable of engaging enemy aircraft and providing air superiority.
