Czech opposition urges government to send four L-159 jets to Ukraine
Civic Democratic Party leader Martin Kupka said the Czech government should transfer four L-159 aircraft to Ukraine, citing the army’s ability to spare them.
Martin Kupka, leader of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) and a member of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, urged the government to hand over four L-159 trainer-attack jets to Ukraine, arguing the Czech army can operate without them. He said the ODS deputies share a stance that Czechia should fully exploit its capabilities to support Kyiv, especially as Aero Vodochody readies next-generation aircraft for export. Kupka emphasized that aiding Ukraine counters Russian attacks on energy and civilian targets and ultimately enhances European security.
The proposal resurfaced after President Petr Pavel suggested the transfer during a January visit to Ukraine, a suggestion the coalition government rejected, with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš asserting the jets are needed by the Czech forces. Pavel countered that moving four of the 24 L-159s in service would not diminish the army’s readiness.
Why it matters
Sending the jets would strengthen Ukraine’s defence and signal Czech support against Russian aggression.
In this story
