View source for Czech Air Force

{{Short description|Aerial warfare branch of Czechia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Czech Air Force
| native_name = {{lang|cs|Vzdušné síly}}
| image = Emblem of Czech Air Force.svg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Emblem of the Czech Air Force
| start_date = 1 January 1993 <br />({{Age in years and months|1993|01|01}})
| country = {{CZE}}
| allegiance = 
| branch = 
| type = [[Air force]]
| role = [[Aerial warfare]]
| size = 59 fixed-wing aircraft <br /> 42 helicopters<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| command_structure = [[Army of Czechia|Czech Armed Forces]]
| garrison = [[Prague]]
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| nickname = 
| patron = 
| motto = {{langx|cs|Vzduch je naše moře}} <br /> "The air is our sea"
| colours = 
| colours_label = 
| march = 
| mascot = 
| anniversaries = 
| equipment = 
| equipment_label = 
| battles = 
| decorations = 
| battle_honours = 
| battle_honours_label = 
| flying_hours = 
| website = 
<!-- Commanders -->
| commander1 = [[Major General]] Petr Čepelka<ref>{{cite web |title=Vzdušné síly povede generál Petr Čepelka. Jeho prioritou je nábor specialistů a modernizace |url=https://acr.army.cz/informacni-servis/zpravodajstvi/vzdusne-sily-povede-general-petr-cepelka--jeho-prioritou-je-nabor-specialistu-a-modernizace-240012/}}</ref><ref name="newgen2023">{{cite news |last1=Kopecký |first1=Josef |title=Pavel jmenoval Koudelku generálem. Zeman to blokoval a mluvil o "čučkařích" |url=https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/jmenovani-generalu-michal-koudelka-bis-prezident-petr-pavel.A230508_054518_domaci_kop |access-date=8 May 2023 |agency=iDnes.cz |publisher=Mafra |date=8 May 2023 |language=cs}}</ref>
| commander1_label = Air Force Commander
| notable_commanders = 
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = [[File:Roundel of the Czech Republic.svg|80px]] [[File:Roundel of the Czech Republic – Low Visibility.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_label = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Flag of the Czech Air Force.svg|100px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Flag
<!-- Aircraft -->
| aircraft_attack = [[Aero L-159 ALCA|L-159A ALCA]]
| aircraft_bomber = 
| aircraft_electronic = 
| aircraft_fighter = [[JAS 39 Gripen]]
| aircraft_helicopter =  [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]], [[PZL W-3 Sokół|W-3A]], [[UH-1Y Venom]], [[AH-1Z Viper]]
| aircraft_helicopter_attack = 
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = 
| aircraft_helicopter_observation = 
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer = 
| aircraft_helicopter_utility = 
| aircraft_interceptor = 
| aircraft_patrol = 
| aircraft_recon = [[Let L-410 Turbolet|L-410FG]] 
| aircraft_trainer = [[Aero L-159 ALCA|L-159T1/T2]]
| aircraft_transport = [[EADS CASA C-295|C-295M]], [[Airbus A319CJ|A319CJ]], [[Let L-410 Turbolet|L-410UVP]] 
| aircraft_tanker = 
| aircraft_general = 
}}
The '''Czech Air Force''' ({{langx|cs|Vzdušné síly}}){{refn|''Vzdušné síly Armády České republiky'' in full, literally the "Air Force of the Army of the Czech Republic"|group=Note}} is the [[air force]] branch of the [[Army of the Czech Republic|Army of Czechia]]. Along with the [[Czech Land Forces|Land Forces]], the Air Force is the major Czech military force. With traditions of military aviation dating back to 1918, the Czech Air Force, together with the [[Slovak Air Force]], succeeded the [[Czechoslovak Air Force]] in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://merln.ndu.edu/whitepapers/Czech_ENG_2011.pdf|title=The White Paper on Defence|work=The Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127082102/http://merln.ndu.edu/whitepapers/Czech_ENG_2011.pdf|archive-date=27 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/343491/20140813-DSB_International_Defence-REPLACEMENT-O.pdf|title=NATO Defence Expenditure: 2009 – 2013|publisher=Gov.uk|access-date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821041649/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/343491/20140813-DSB_International_Defence-REPLACEMENT-O.pdf|archive-date=21 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 July 1997, the 3rd Tactical Aviation Corps and the 4th [[Anti-aircraft warfare|Air Defence]] Corps of the Czech Army were merged to form an independent Air Force [[Headquarters]].

The air force is responsible for securing the integrity of the Czechia's airspace through the [[NATO Integrated Air Defence System]] (NIADS), [[close air support]] to the Land Forces and for transportation tasks including government and state priority flights. In peacetime the air force contributes to tasks originating in the [[Czech law]]s and inter-ministerial agreements, for example to the [[air ambulance]] service or the [[Search and rescue|SAR]] role.<ref name="Yearbook 2013" />

Czech [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39C/D Gripen]] [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole fighters]] fulfill primarily the tasks related to the [[Anti-aircraft warfare|air defence]] of the Czechia and the NATO within the system of NATINAMDS. In the so-called national reinforcement system the subsonic [[Aero L-159 Alca|L-159 ALCA]] jets could be deployed to fulfil this task too.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Live firing beyond the Arctic Circle|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2012|page=32}}</ref> The [[radar]] surveillance of the [[airspace]] of the Czech Republic is the responsibility of the 26th Air [[Command and control|Command, Control]] and [[Surveillance]] [[Regiment]] at [[Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav|Stará Boleslav]]. Altogether seven radio-technical [[Company (military unit)|companies]] are spread around the country so that they can continuously cover its whole territory.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Czech anti-aircraft defence radars|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2013|page=50}}</ref>

==History==
{{Further|Czechoslovak Air Force#History}}

===First years===
[[File:MiG-21MF (12866082514).jpg|thumb|left|A Czech Air Force [[MiG-21|MiG-21MF]]]]
The separation saw a large reduction in types, numbers, and bases. In 1994, the 3rd Corps of Tactical Aviation was created. The newest fighter in the [[Czechoslovak Air Force]] arsenal was the [[MiG-29]] (Izdelie 9.12). As there was only one general maintenance kit, which was given to newly created [[Slovak Republic]], and all the material was split 1:1 with Slovakia, maintenance costs for the Czech Fulcrums would be too high. Along with the unreasonably high costs, speculative costs for spare parts imported from Russia, which were realised through third-party companies ([[Mil Mi-24]] rotor blades acquisitions were over-priced by 400%),{{Citation needed|reason=Reliable source needed|date=December 2017}} this led to the exchange of 10 MiG-29s with Poland for [[PZL W-3]]A Sokół rescue helicopters with avionics and ground support. Therefore, 10 air superiority fighters were exchanged for 11 light helicopters and this acquisition became a strongly discussed affair during the mid-1990s.<ref>{{cite journal|title=W-3A Sokol helicopters in the Czech Air Force service|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2012|page=43}}</ref> The burden of readiness squadron passed to the [[MiG-23]]s.

The new-era Air Force of the Czech Army was effectively formed on 1 July 1997 when the 3rd Corps of Tactical Aviation and the 4th Air Defence Corps were united. The members of both units have taken part in [[Atlantic Alliance|Alliance]] actions since the Czech Republic entered NATO on 12 March 1999.<ref name="Yearbook 2013">{{cite journal|last=Čadil|first=Jan|title=The Czech Air Force|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2013|date=7 August 2013|page=6}}</ref> The Air Force began to revise and update its doctrines and aircraft and the acquisition of a new, western fighter was considered. MiG-23MFs were retired in 1994, MLs in 1998 and [[MiG-21]]s were reestablished as an interim type for what was supposed to be a transition period before buying a new fighter – which was determined to be the Swedish [[JAS 39 Gripen]] multi-role fighter aircraft. Because of the devastating floods that hit the country during 2002, the deal was deferred.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rozhlas.cz/zpravy/domaci/_zprava/349737|title=NKÚ: Vláda nezdůvodnila potřebu pronajmout gripeny|language=cs|publisher=Rozhlas.cz|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924151943/http://www.rozhlas.cz/zpravy/domaci/_zprava/349737|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2000s===
A new international tender was issued for an interim solution. Gripen again won this tender among six different bidders as the Czech Republic accepted a government-to-government 10-year lease from [[Sweden]] that did not involve [[BAE Systems]]. Media allegations of BAE Systems kickbacks to decision makers during the original sales effort have led nowhere in judicial inquiries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/domaci/273008-kauza-gripenu-po-12-letech-konci-za-udajnou-korupci-nikdo-obvinen-nebude/|title=Kauza gripenů po 12 letech končí, za údajnou korupci nikdo obviněn nebude|language=cs|publisher=Ceskatelevize.cz|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402210115/http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/domaci/273008-kauza-gripenu-po-12-letech-konci-za-udajnou-korupci-nikdo-obvinen-nebude/|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2006 [[Kateřina Hlavsová]], became the first female jet aircraft pilot in modern Czech history and as of 2025, Hlavsová holds the rank of Major in the Czech Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kateřina Hlavsová |url=http://www.afterburner.cz/clanky/hlavsova06.htm |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=www.afterburner.cz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-18 |title=Z větroně do stíhačky. Lidé jsou pořád překvapení, když vidí ženu, říká vojenská pilotka Kateřina Hlavsová |url=https://cesky.radio.cz/z-vetrone-do-stihacky-lide-jsou-porad-prekvapeni-kdyz-vidi-zenu-rika-vojenska-8843148 |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=Radio Prague International |language=cs}}</ref>

In December 2008, the Czech Air Force wanted to train helicopter pilots for desert conditions for the upcoming mission in [[Afghanistan]]. [[Israel]] was the only country that was ready to help out, as it saw this as an opportunity to thank the Czech Republic for training Israeli pilots and supporting Israel when it first became a state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=350692|publisher=Ceskenoviny.cz|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606024812/http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=350692|archive-date=6 June 2011|url-status=live|title=&#124;}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=12559|title=Czech Helicopters over the Negev Desert|language=cs|publisher=Army.cz|access-date=17 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211051641/http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=12559|archive-date=11 February 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

The independence of the Czech Air Force was terminated on 1 December 2003 when the force became a part of newly established Joint Forces of the Czech Army with the command post located at [[Olomouc]]. Within the new structure the Air Force Commander-in-Chief was named as a Joint Forces Chief Commander Deputy.<ref name="Yearbook 2013" />

===2010s===
The Air Force operated within this structure until 30 June 2013. Within the framework of the reorganisation of the Army, on 1 July 2013 the independent [[Command (military formation)|High Command]] of the Czech Air Force ([[Czech language|Czech]]: ''Velitelství vzdušných sil'') was established, [[Headquarters|headquartered]] in [[Prague]] with new Commander in Chief [[Brigadier general|Brigadier General]] Libor Štefánik.<ref name="Yearbook 2014">{{cite journal|last=Čadil|first=Jan|title=The Czech Air Force|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2014|date=6 August 2014}}</ref> Former Joint Forces Command and Support Forces Command [[Headquarters|HQs]] were disbanded by 30 June 2013.<ref name="Professional Army">{{cite web|title=Professional Army|url=http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=5762|website=army.cz|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316222350/http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=5762|archive-date=16 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
With the Gripen contract due to expire in 2015, speculation mounted about whether that leasing agreement will be renewed or another type of fighter plane chosen.<ref name="Modernization">{{cite web|title=Czech Air Force Modernization|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/cz-af-modernization.htm|website=GlobalSecurity.org|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402184156/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/cz-af-modernization.htm|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The Czech government expected a tender to be organised to provide a force of 18 supersonic fighters after 2015. The [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39 Gripen]] was generally accepted as the most effective option owing to the existing infrastructure, the availability of trained personnel and previous good operational experience. However, the background of the existing contract – specifically the broadly discussed issue of alleged corruption – prevented politicians from settling for this quick solution, favouring instead a general tender with more bidders offering such types as the [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]], [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18]], [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15SE]] or [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A]].<ref name="Ceskenoviny.cz">{{cite web|url=http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/zpravy/613856|publisher=Ceskenoviny.cz|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030211421/http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/zpravy/613856|archive-date=30 October 2014|url-status=live|title=&#124;}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lidovky.cz/armada-zvazuje-najem-ci-nakup-az-osmnacti-stihacek-fsl-/ln_domov.asp?c=A110324_080238_ln_domov_mc|title=Armáda zvažuje nájem či nákup až osmnácti stíhaček|date=24 March 2011 |publisher=Lidovky.cz|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324115755/http://www.lidovky.cz/armada-zvazuje-najem-ci-nakup-az-osmnacti-stihacek-fsl-/ln_domov.asp?c=A110324_080238_ln_domov_mc|archive-date=24 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:L-159 ALCA Czech Air Force.jpg|thumb|right|[[Aero L-159 Alca|Aero Vodochody L-159A ALCA]] of the Czech Air Force]]
The creation of a non-supersonic air force has also been discussed as an option, owing to the perceived high costs and limited usefulness of keeping supersonic assets in a country surrounded by allied countries (all are [[Member state of the European Union|European Union members]] and [[Member states of NATO|NATO members]], except [[Austria]]). In this scenario the subsonic [[L-159]] would become the backbone of the air force. The latest 2011 White Book clearly states that the supersonic fleet is to be continued for the protection of the Czech Republic and for co-operation within the NATO Integrated Air Defence System.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.cz/ministr-a-ministerstvo/odkazy/odkazy-46088|title=České strategické dokumenty|publisher=Army.cz|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121133203/http://www.army.cz/ministr-a-ministerstvo/odkazy/odkazy-46088|archive-date=21 November 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Twelve single-seat and two twin-seat aircraft are viewed as sufficient for patrolling the Czech Republic, while 18 can support the sentry role in other NATO countries. A preliminary RFI requested 18 aircraft.<ref name="Ceskenoviny.cz"/> The White Book specifies the 12+2 solution, requiring strategic requirements for the supersonic air force to be specified by November 2011.

On 16 May 2014, the director general of the Swedish defence and export agency FXM and the Czech deputy defence minister for defence acquisitions signed the "Annex prolonging agreement of lease of the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft", ensuring also the continuous upgrading and increasing the capabilities of these machines. The Swedish [[supersonic aircraft]] will equip the Czech Air Force until 2027 with an [[Option (aircraft purchasing)|option]] for further two years.<ref>{{cite journal|title=I am happy that the Gripens carry on|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2014|page=18}}</ref>

Czech Defense Minister [[Martin Stropnický]] has unveiled plans to replace [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]-designed military equipment with new weapons and to acquire helicopters and radars for the Czech Air Force, with tenders expected to be launched in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Czech Military To Buy Helos, Vehicles, Radar|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/01/27/czech-military-procurement-helicopters-vehicles-radar-stropnicky/22415825/|website=DefenseNews|date=27 January 2015 |access-date=23 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Czech Military To Purchase Helicopters, Vehicles, Radar|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/12032/Czech_Military_To_Purchase_Helicopters__Vehicles__Radar#.VTiaRCHtmko|website=Defense World|publisher=Digitalwriters Media|access-date=23 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705092852/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/12032/Czech_Military_To_Purchase_Helicopters__Vehicles__Radar#.VTiaRCHtmko|archive-date=5 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2019, the Czech Defence Minister submitted a contract to the government for the procurement of two [[EADS CASA C-295|C-295]] transport aircraft to replace its [[Yakovlev Yak-40]]s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fiorenza |first1=Nicholas |title=Czech Republic plans to procure C295s and upgrade T-72M tanks |url=https://www.janes.com/article/89435/czech-republic-plans-to-procure-c295s-and-upgrade-t-72m-tanks |publisher=Jane's Defence Weekly |date=21 June 2019}}</ref> On 22 August 2019, Czech Prime Minister [[Andrej Babiš]] announced that the Czech Air Force had selected an offer from [[Bell Helicopter]] for eight [[UH-1Y Venom]] and four [[AH-1Z Viper]] helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stratilik |first1=Ondrej |title=Czech Air Force to buy 12 Bell helicopters |url=https://www.janes.com/article/90732/czech-air-force-to-buy-12-bell-helicopters |website=janes.com |publisher=IHS Jane's |date=29 August 2019}}</ref> A contract for the helicopters was signed on 13 December 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jennings |first1=Gareth |title=Czech Republic orders H-1 helos |url=https://www.janes.com/article/93202/czech-republic-orders-h-1-helos |website=janes.com |publisher=IHS Jane's |date=16 December 2019}}</ref>

===2020s===
In September 2020, both old Soviet Yak-40 transports were decommissioned in Kbely Air Force Base.<ref name="yak40">{{cite web |last1=Špačková |first1=Zuzana |title=Czech Armed Forces say farewell to Yak-40 aircraft |url=https://www.army.cz/en/ministry-of-defence/newsroom/news/czech-armed-forces-say-farewell-to-yak-40-aircraft--223532/ |website=army.cz |publisher=Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic |access-date=5 October 2023 |date=2 September 2020}}</ref> In September 2021, the last small VIP transport plane CL-601 Challenger ended its service. In March 2022, it was removed from military air registry,<ref name="cl601">{{cite web |title=Ukončení provozu letounu Challenger CL - 601 - 3A |url=https://maa-cze.army.cz/aktuality/ukonceni-provozu-letounu-challenger-cl-601-3a |website=maa-cze.army.cz |publisher=Czech Ministry of Defense |access-date=5 October 2023 |language=cs |date=23 March 2022}}</ref> and it is now one of the components of Military History Institute.<ref name="cl601mus">{{cite web |title=Ve Kbelích bude při zahájení sezóny vystaven vládní Challenger |url=https://www.vhu.cz/ve-kbelich-bude-pri-zahajeni-sezony-vystaven-vladni-challenger/ |website=vhu.cz |publisher=Military History Institute Prague |access-date=5 October 2023 |language=cs |date=21 April 2023}}</ref>

In September 2021, Czech Defense minister Lubomír Metnar signed contract with government of Israel for [[SPYDER]] Air Defense systems<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adamowski |first1=Jaroslaw |title=Czech Republic buys Israeli Spyder air-defense weapon for $627 million |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/28/czech-republic-buys-israeli-spyder-air-defense-weapon-for-627-million/ |website=DefenseNews |access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref> to replace old Soviet era 2K12M2 Kub ([[2K12 Kub|SA-6]]) systems.
In April 2022, after Czech republic donated some of its Mi-24 helicopters to Ukraine as part of the military support, the US DoD decided to give additional 6 AH-1Z Viper and 2 UH-1Y Venom from their reserves as a gift to boost insufficient number of already ordered helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fiorenza |first1=Nicholas |title=US to gift H-1 helicopters to Czech Republic |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-to-gift-h-1-helicopters-to-czech-republic |website=Janes |access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref> They should be delivered after modernisation in 2026 and 2027.<ref name="H1numb" /> The first two AH-1Z arrived in July 2023 and both AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters were presented to public for the first time during the 2023 NATO Days in Ostrava.<ref name="H-1">{{cite web |last1=Rodin |first1=Kristin |title=Bell announces delivery of H-1 helicopters during NATO Days 2023  |access-date=1 October 2023 |date=17 September 2023|url=https://www.newschannel10.com/2023/09/15/bell-announces-delivery-h-1-helicopters-during-nato-days-2023/}}</ref> All of the 12 ordered helicopters is expected to be delivered before the end of first quarter of 2024.<ref name="H1numb" />

In July 2022, Czech government selected [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A Lightning II]] as a new fighter aircraft to enter service after lease of the JAS 39 ends in 2027. For that purpose minister of defence [[Jana Černochová]] was authorized to start negotiation on procurement of 24 fighters with the government of United States of America.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adamowski |first1=Jaroslaw |title=Czech Republic selects F-35 as next fighter jet |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/07/20/czech-republic-selects-f-35-as-next-fighter-jet/ |website=DefenseNews |access-date=22 February 2023}}</ref> On 27 September the Czech government approved the conditions of the contract for 24 F-35A that would be delivered from 2029 to 2033.<ref name="F-35A">{{cite web |last1=Jason |first1=Hovet |title=Czech government approves plan to buy 24 F-35 jets |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/czech-government-approves-plan-buy-24-f-35-jets-2023-09-27/ |website=reuters.com |access-date=1 October 2023 |date=27 September 2023}}</ref>

Czech Air Force together with [[Polish Air Force]] protects the airspace of [[Slovakia]] since 1 September 2022 when [[Slovak Air Force]] grounded its old [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]] and the term of delivery of the new [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C]] fighters were postponed to 2024.<ref name="slovak-air-patrol">{{cite web |title=Poland, Czechia to protect Slovakia's airspace |url=https://www.dw.com/en/poland-czechia-to-protect-slovak-airspace-as-soviet-made-jets-retired/a-62952215 |website=dw.com |access-date=1 October 2023 |date=27 August 2022}}</ref>

==CzAF-NATO cooperation==
Since the Czech Republic joined [[NATO]], regular participation at a number of the Alliance's [[Military exercise|international exercises]] became a matter of course for the Czech Air Force. In 2009, the Czech Republic concluded an agreement regarding the [[cross-border]] collaboration and training with neighbouring [[Germany]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Cross Border training|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2014|page=40}}</ref>

===NATO Tiger Association===
[[File:We are prepared for the NATO Tiger Meet! (5693018996).jpg|thumb|Gripen prepared for the Tiger Meet]]
In 2002, the NATO Tiger Meet was held at the Beja Air Base in Portugal. The 331st Helicopter Squadron was honored there by proclaiming it as a full member of the [[NATO Tiger Association]]. The squadron also received the most prestigious trophy, the Silver Tiger. With its new 221st Helicopter Squadron designation the unit continues, rejuvenated by new incoming members, in the Tiger tradition through today.

After the deployment of new [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39 Gripen]] fighters in 2005, four Gripens took part in the NATO Tiger Meet for the first time in 2008 at [[France|French]] [[Landivisiau]]. In 2010, the 211st Tactical Squadron was accepted as a full member of the NATO Tiger Association at [[Volkel Air Base]], and the squadron was awarded a Silver Tiger Trophy.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Tigers in Czechia are Twenty|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2011|page=25}}</ref>

===AWACS===
In 2011, the Czech Republic became the eighteenth country taking part in the NATO [[Airborne Early Warning and Control]] (NAEW&C) programme. Taking part in that international initiative means for Czech Air Force members an active participation in [[Boeing E-3 Sentry|AWACS]] operations. A participation on the NAEW&C programme will cost the Czech Republic some 90 million [[Czech koruna|CZK]] a year.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Czechs are flying with the AWACS|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2011|page=12}}</ref>

==Foreign deployments==

===Afghanistan===
[[File:TF HIPPO.jpg|180px|left|thumb|Emblem of the Task Force Hippo]]
In December 2009, Czech Air Force members started to build-up a rear for their new helicopter unit to be deployed in [[Afghanistan]]. After that the first three modernized [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-171Sh]] helicopters armed for self-defense with [[PK machine gun|PKM machine guns]] were air-transported to Afghanistan by [[Antonov An-124 Ruslan]] [[Military transport aircraft|transport aircraft]] on 5 January 2010. To the FOB [[Sharana, Afghanistan|Sharana]] permanent forward operational base, all helicopters and unit members numbering 110 soldiers were flown on 17 January 2010. The Czech helicopter unit known as Task Force Hippo was ranged under Alliance Regional Command East. TF Hippo entered [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] operations on 25 January 2010.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Task Force Hippo in the second year|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2011|page=18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.mise.army.cz/aktualni-mise/afghanistan-sarana/zpravodajstvi/strelby-z-palubnich-zbrani-vrtulniku-mi-171s-v-afghanistanu-15869/ |title = Střelby z palubních zbraní vrtulníků Mi-171Š v Afghánistánu |last = Mikulka |first = Zdeněk |publisher = Ministerstvo obrany |date = 19 February 2010 |work = Zahraniční mise |access-date = 16 May 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130922114445/http://www.mise.army.cz/aktualni-mise/afghanistan-sarana/zpravodajstvi/strelby-z-palubnich-zbrani-vrtulniku-mi-171s-v-afghanistanu-15869/ |archive-date = 22 September 2013 |url-status = live}}</ref>

The first advisory group of the Czech Air Force was sent to Afghanistan in April 2008. Involved then there were members of the 231st of the time and the recent 221st Helicopter Squadron who have been tasked to participate in an establishment of the new [[Afghan National Army]]. As a part of the international [[Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team]] (OMLT) they started to work as instructors during training of Afghan [[Mil Mi-24|Mi-24]] [[attack helicopter]] crews and in the same way to train ground personnel.

A new Czech team was added to the deployment in 2010. The new Czech group consisted of pilots and technicians from the 243rd Helicopter Squadron, respectively from the 24th Transport Air Base at [[Prague 19|Prague-Kbely]]. The main task of Kbely AMT (Air Mentoring Team) section has been defined as air training of Afghan [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17/Mi-171]] transport helicopter crews.

The Czech Republic also provided material help to [[Afghan Air Force]] which included supplies of aviation equipment – six Mi-17 transport helicopters and six Mi-24 attack helicopters. After selected helicopters underwent major overhauls and modernizations all have been presented to the Afghan National Army during the 2007–2009.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Czech AMT reinforcement in Afghanistan|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2011|page=40}}</ref>

===Baltics===
[[File:Mi-17 CZ 9887 LKCV.jpg|thumb|[[Mil Mi-17|Mil Mi-171Sh]] of the Czech Air Force]]
The Czech Republic first joined the [[Baltic Air Policing]] (BAP) mission from 1 May until 31 August 2009 when a four-Gripen contingent was based in [[Baltic region]]. The second mission of the task force took place from 1 September 2012 until 4 January 2013. The main task of the Baltic Air Policing 2012 mission was to ensure protection of the [[airspace]] over the land and water territory of the three [[Baltic states]] – [[Latvia]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Estonia]]. The whole mission was a part of NATINADS, operating from the [[Šiauliai Air Base]] in Lithuania. Remaining Czech Air Force Gripens were also in a [[24/7 service|24/7 readiness]] on their home base at [[Čáslav]]. As in 2009, also during the 2012 Baltic mission the targets of [[Scrambling (military)|Alpha scrambles]] were [[Russian Air Force|Russian military]] aircraft that failed to observe the flight rules of the [[Airway (aviation)|civilian air corridors]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=In Baltic successfully again|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2013|page=44}}</ref>

===Sinai Peninsula===
[[File:CASA C-295 (Czech Air Force) (15094753595).jpg|right|thumb|Czech CASA C-295M]]
One of the most important tasks of the Czech [[Military transport aircraft|military transport]] aviation in recent years is to provide support to the international [[Multinational Force and Observers]] (MFO) [[Peacekeeping|peace mission]] at the [[Sinai Peninsula]]. A small unit with one transport [[EADS CASA C-295|C-295M]] [[turboprop]] belonging to the equipment of the 24th Transport Air Base at [[Prague 19|Prague-Kbely]] has operated there since early November 2013 and contributes to the surveillance and monitoring the peace agreement between [[Egypt]] and [[Israel]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Czech C-295M at Sinai|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2014|page=12}}</ref>

===Ukraine===
In relation to the [[Russo-Ukrainian War#History|2014 Russian invasion of the Eastern Ukraine and occupation of Crimea]] the Government of the [[Czech Republic]] decided to provide help to the Ukrainian people. The first large-scale evacuation took place on 27 February 2014, when two aircraft departed the 24th Transport Air Base at [[Prague 19|Prague-Kbely]] for [[Kyiv]], Ukraine. The [[Airbus A319|A319CJ]] was fitted with two PTUs (Patient Transport Units) and two [[stretcher]]s, the [[EADS CASA C-295|C-295M]] carried one PTU and 12 stretchers. The aircraft brought 27 Ukrainian citizens to the Czech Republic. Medical care was provided during the flight by a team of military medical personnel from the Centre of the aviation rescue service at [[Líně|Plzeň-Líně]] and from the Central Military Hospital in Prague. The second [[Medical evacuation|MEDEVAC]] mission took place on 6 March 2014, when one C-295M brought to the Czech Republic further 11 wounded persons.<ref>{{cite journal|title=MEDEVAC helps abroad|journal=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2014|page=46}}</ref>

==Structure==
{{Location map+ | Czech Republic
| width = 480
| float = right
|
| places =
  {{Location map~ | Czech Republic
    | label = <small>[[Čáslav]]</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Red pog.svg
    | marksize =
    | lat_deg = 49 |lat_min = 54 | lat_sec = 42
    | lon_deg = 15 |lon_min = 23 | lon_sec = 42
  }}
  {{Location map~ | Czech Republic
    | label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Náměšť nad Oslavou]]}}</small>
    | position = top
    | background = white
    | mark = Pink pog.svg
    | marksize =
    | lat_deg = 49 |lat_min = 13 | lat_sec = 36
    | lon_deg = 16 |lon_min = 10 | lon_sec = 47
  }}
  {{Location map~ | Czech Republic
    | label = <small>[[Prague 19|Prague-Kbely]]</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue pog.svg
    | marksize =
    | lat_deg = 50 |lat_min = 08 | lat_sec = 00
    | lon_deg = 14 |lon_min = 32 | lon_sec = 58
  }}
  {{Location map~ | Czech Republic
    | label = <small>[[Strakonice]]</small>
    | position = left
    | background = white
    | mark = Purple pog.svg
    | marksize =
    | lat_deg = 49 |lat_min = 15 | lat_sec = 41
    | lon_deg = 13 |lon_min = 54 | lon_sec = 09
  }}
  {{Location map~ | Czech Republic
    | label = <small>[[Pardubice Airport|Pardubice]]</small>
    | position = right
    | background = white
    | mark = Blue pog.svg
    | marksize =
    | lat_deg = 50 |lat_min = 00 | lat_sec = 48
    | lon_deg = 15 |lon_min = 44 | lon_sec = 19
  }}
{{Location map~ | Czech Republic | background = white |label=<small>[[Hlavenec]]</small>|lat= 50.233333 |long= 14.7 |position=top|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Czech Republic | background = white |label=<small>[[Nepolisy]]</small>|lat= 50.182685 |long= 15.465868 |position=right|mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Czech Republic | background = white |label=<small>[[Sokolnice]]</small>|lat= 49.118982 |long= 16.762345 |position=right|mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Czech Republic | background = white |label=<small>[[Čeradice|Větrušice]]</small>|lat= 50.299722 |long= 13.473333 |position=left|mark=Lightgreen pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Czech Republic | background = white |label=<small>[[Olomouc]]</small>|lat= 49.6 |long= 17.25 |position=right|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Czech Republic | background = white |label=<small>[[Líně|Plzeň-Líně]]</small>|lat= 49.694722 |long= 13.256667 |position=right|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Czech Republic | background = white |label=<small>[[Bechyně]]</small>|lat= 49.297222 |long= 14.470833 |position=right|mark=Pink pog.svg}}
{{Location map~ | Czech Republic | background = white |label=<small>[[Stará Boleslav|S. Boleslav]]</small>|lat= 50.189444 |long= 14.667222 |position=right|mark=Steel pog.svg}}
|caption= Main bases of the Czech Air Force 2018:<br />[[File:Red pog.svg|8px]] [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39C/D Gripen]] [[File:Pink pog.svg|8px]] Helicopters [[File:Blue pog.svg|8px]] other flying units <br /> [[File:Lightgreen pog.svg|8px]] Command and Control centres [[File:Purple pog.svg|8px]] Air defence missile unit [[File:Blue 0080ff pog.svg|8px]] [[Selex RAT-31DL|RAT-31DL]] radar sites <br /> 
 [[File:Steel pog.svg|8px]] other sites}}

[[File:Czech Air Force - Organization 2023.png|thumb|right|480px|Czech Air Force organization 2023<br>Note that the České Budějovice airbase was disbanded on 31 December 2005 and the Air Force Command is located in Prague since 2013]]

The Czech Air Force consists of the following main units:<ref name="Yearbook 2017">{{cite book|last1=Soušek|first1=Tomáš|editor1-last=Čadil|editor1-first=Jan|title=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2017|date=15 August 2017|publisher=L+K magazine and Magnet Press, Slovakia|location=Prague|isbn=978-80-89169-41-2|pages=4–8|language=cs, en|chapter=The Czech Air Force}}</ref><ref>Hájková (2023), pp. 82-126</ref>

=== Czech Air Force Command ===
The Czech Air Force Command is a [[Staff (military)|staff]] component based in the [[Czech Armed Forces General Staff]] compound in [[Prague]].<ref>Hájková (2023), p. 88</ref>

==== Combat Forces ====
*  21st Tactical Air Force Base "[[Zvolen]]", in [[Čáslav]]
** 211th Tactical Squadron, with 14× [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39C/D Gripen]]
** 212th Tactical Squadron, with 14× [[L-159|L-159A ALCA]]. 2x [[L-159|L-159T1 ALCA]]
** 213th Training Squadron, with 2× [[L-159|L-159A ALCA]], 3× [[L-159|L-159T1 ALCA]], 3× [[L-159|L-159T2 ALCA]]<ref name="21st Base in 2018">{{cite magazine |last1=Čadil |first1=Jan |date=6 December 2017 |title=Čáslavská 21. základna taktického letectva v roce 2018 |trans-title=21st Tactical Air Force Base in 2018 |language=cs |magazine=L+K |location=Prague |publisher=Magnet Press, Slovakia |issue=12/2017 |pages=14–17 |issn=0024-1156}}</ref>
*  22nd Helicopter Air Force Base "[[Bay of Biscay|Biscay]]", in [[Náměšť nad Oslavou]]
** 221st Helicopter Squadron, with 4× AH-1Z, 6× UH-1Y<ref name="H1numb">{{cite web |last1=Cyprisová |first1=Vlastimila |title=Generál Řehka jednal se svým slovenským protějškem generálem Zmekem na vrtulníkové základně v Náměšti nad Oslavou |url=https://acr.army.cz/informacni-servis/zpravodajstvi/general-rehka-jednal-se-svym-slovenskym-protejskem-generalem-zmekem-na-vrtulnikove-zakladne-v-namesti-nad-oslavou-247809/ |website=acr.army.cz |publisher=Czech MoD |access-date=18 November 2023 |language=cs |date=2023-11-23}}</ref>
** 222nd Helicopter Squadron, with 15× [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-171Sh]]

==== Combat Support Forces ====
*  24th Transport Air Force Base "[[Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk|T. G. Masaryk]]", in [[Prague–Kbely Airport|Prague-Kbely]]
** 241st Transport Squadron, with 2× [[Airbus A319|A319CJ]]
** 242nd Transport and Special Squadron, with 6× [[CASA C-295]], 6× [[L-410]]
** 243rd Helicopter Squadron, with 1× [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8S]],<ref name="Mi-8P">{{cite magazine |last1=Soušek |first1=Tomáš |date=6 December 2017 |title=Mi-8P alias Mi-9 Ivolga dolétal |trans-title=Mi-8P alias Mi-9 Ivolga decommissioned |language=cs |magazine=L+K |location=Prague |publisher=Magnet Press, Slovakia |issue=12/2017 |pages=44–45 |issn=0024-1156}}</ref> 5× [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]], 10× [[PZL W-3 Sokół|W-3A]]
*** [[Air medical services|HEMS]] station "Kryštof 07", with 1× [[PZL W-3 Sokół|W-3A]], at [[Líně|Plzeň-Líně]] airport<ref name="HEMS station">{{cite book|last1=Soušek|first1=Tomáš|editor1-last=Čadil|editor1-first=Jan|title=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2016|date=15 August 2016|publisher=L+K and MAGNET PRESS, SLOVAKIA|location=Prague|isbn=978-80-89169-35-1|page=56|url=http://work.letectvi.cz/avizo/lkspec/2016/rocenka_vzs/rocenka_vzs.htm|language=cs, en|chapter=Air Force will take over another HEMS station|access-date=8 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914091821/http://work.letectvi.cz/avizo/lkspec/2016/rocenka_vzs/rocenka_vzs.htm|archive-date=14 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*  25th Air Defence Missile Regiment "[[Siege of Tobruk|Tobruk]]", in [[Strakonice]]
** 251st Air Defence Missile Group, with [[SPYDER|SPYDER LR]]
** 252nd Air Defence Missile Group, with [[RBS-70|RBS-70/NG]]
*  26th Command, Control and Surveillance Regiment "[[Karel Janoušek|General Karel Janoušek]]", in [[Stará Boleslav]]
** 261st [[Control and Reporting Centre]] (CRC), in [[Hlavenec]], reports to [[NATO]]'s [[NATO Integrated Air Defense System|Integrated Air Defense System]] CAOC Uedem in Germany
** 262nd Radiotechnical Battalion, in Hlavenec
*** 1st Radiotechnical Company, in [[Nepolisy]], with [[Selex RAT-31DL|RAT-31DL]]
*** 2nd Radiotechnical Company, in [[Polička]], with [[EL/M-2084]] mobile radar
*** 3rd Radiotechnical Company, in [[Stará Ves nad Ondřejnicí]], with radars EL/M-2084,<ref name="madr">{{cite web |last1=Pivoňka |first1=Michal |title=New MADR 3D radars: a clear technological shift for the entire radiotechnical army of the Czech Armed Forces |url=https://www.czdefence.com/article/new-madr-3d-radars-a-clear-technological-shift-for-the-entire-radiotechnical-army-of-the-czech-armed-forces |website=czdefence.com |access-date=1 October 2023 |date=25 September 2023}}</ref> ST-68U, and RL-4AS mobile radars
*** 4th Radiotechnical Company, in [[Sokolnice]], with [[Selex RAT-31DL|RAT-31DL]]
*** 5th Radiotechnical Company, in [[České Budějovice|Třebotovice]], with radars EL/M-2084 and ST-68U mobile radars
*** 6th Radiotechnical Company, in [[Planá (Tachov District)|Kříženec]], with radars EL/M-2084, ST-68U, and RL-4AS mobile radars
*** 7th Radiotechnical Company, in [[Hrušovany (Chomutov District)|Hrušovany]], with EL/M-2084 mobile radars
** 263nd Support Battalion, in [[Hlavenec]]
*** Force Protection Company
*** Reserve Control and Reporting Centre, in [[Čeradice|Větrušice]]
*** Logistic Company
** Radar Maintenance Center, in [[Olomouc]]
** Prague Air Traffic Services Station, at [[Prague Airport]]

==== Combat Service Support unit ====
*  [[Pardubice Airport|Pardubice Airfield]] Administration

== Training ==
[[Flight Training Center Pardubice]] with 1× [[Evektor EV-97|EV-97]], 8× [[Zlin Z-142|Z-142CAF]], 1× [[Zlin Z-142]], 1× [[Zlin Z-43]], 7× [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39C Albatros]], 1x [[Aero L-39 Skyfox|L-39 Skyfox]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/new-era-for-czech-pilot-with-delivery-of-first-l-39-skyfox-multi-role-fighter-jet |title=New Era for Czech Pilot With Delivery of First L-39 Skyfox Multi-Role Fighter Jet. |date=23 Jan 2025 |publisher=Army Recognition |access-date=19 February 2025}}</ref> 1× [[L-410|L-410UVP]], 8x [[Enstrom 480B]] and 6× [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://static.lompraha.s8.upgates.com/t/t5996b1f73da83-210x210-vyrocni-zprava-lom-2016-v4-email.pdf |title=Vyrocni zprava lom 2016 v4 |access-date=3 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104013703/http://static.lompraha.s8.upgates.com/t/t5996b1f73da83-210x210-vyrocni-zprava-lom-2016-v4-email.pdf |archive-date=4 January 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lompraha.cz/o-nas|title=Výroční zpráva 2013|author=LOM PRAHA s.p.|publisher=Lompraha.cz|access-date=9 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203171939/http://www.lompraha.cz/o-nas|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://static.lompraha.s8.upgates.com/4/457763b8ca4955-210x210-vyrocni-zprava-lom-2015-final-digital.pdf |title=vyrocni zprava lom 2015 |access-date=8 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820024315/http://static.lompraha.s8.upgates.com/4/457763b8ca4955-210x210-vyrocni-zprava-lom-2015-final-digital.pdf |archive-date=20 August 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> is not a part of the Air Force. Primary flight training was outsourced as of 1 April 2004. CLV is a branch of LOM PRAHA s.p., state owned company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lompraha.cz/en/|title=LOM PRAHA|author=EVici webdesign s.r.o.|publisher=Lompraha.cz|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214131420/http://www.lompraha.cz/en/|archive-date=14 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Aircraft==
{{further|List of military aircraft of the Czech Republic}}
=== Ordered ===
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Number
|-
! colspan="5" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
|[[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II#Variants|F-35A Lightning II]]
|[[United States]]
|[[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]]
|
|24<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{cite web |last = Hoyle |first = Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881|title = World Air Forces 2024|publisher= [[FlightGlobal]] |year= 2023 |access-date= 22 March 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[Bell AH-1Z Viper|Bell AH-1Z]]
|United States
|[[Attack helicopter|Attack]]
|
|6<ref name="MOD2024">{{cite web |last1=Tříletá |first1=Štěpánka |title=V ČR už jsou všechny vrtulníky H-1, poslední dva přilétly dnes |url=https://acr.mo.gov.cz/informacni-servis/zpravodajstvi/v-cr-uz-jsou-vsechny-vrtulniky-h-1--posledni-dva-priletly-dnes-251865/ |website=acr.mo.gov.cz |publisher=Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic |access-date=27 December 2024 |language=Czech |date=13 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[Bell UH-1Y Venom|Bell UH-1Y]]
|United States
|[[Utility helicopter|Utility]]
|
|2<ref name="MOD2024" />
|-
|[[Embraer C-390 Millennium]]
|[[Brazil]]
|[[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
| 
|2<ref>{{cite web | url=https://embraer.com/global/en/news/?slug=1207471-czech-republic-orders-two-embraer-c-390-millennium-multi-mission-aircraft | title=Czech Republic Orders Two Embraer C-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Aircraft | date=25 October 2024 |website=embraer.com}}</ref>
|-
|}

=== Current inventory ===
[[File:Czech Air Force 9245 Gripen.jpg|thumb|right|A JAS 39C Gripen at cruising altitude]]
[[File:Sokol (52232143660).jpg|thumb|right| A W-3A Sokół on lift off]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
|[[Aero L-159 ALCA|Aero L-159]]
|[[Czech Republic]]
|Light attack
|[[Aero L-159 Alca#L-159A|L-159A]]
|16<ref name="World Air Forces 2025">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2024 |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |access-date=30 January 2025 |publisher=Flight Global |doi=}}</ref>
|
|-
|[[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39 Gripen]]
|[[Sweden]]
|[[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]] 
|[[Saab JAS 39 Gripen#Variants|JAS 39C]]
|12<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|Leased from the [[Swedish Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/czech-government-signs-gripen-lease-extension-399415/ |title= Czech government signs Gripen lease extension |publisher= Flight global | accessdate=21 March 2015}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
|[[Let L-410 Turbolet|Let L-410]]
|Czech Republic
|[[Utility aircraft|Utility]]  
|[[Let L-410 Turbolet#Variants|L-410UVP]]<ref name="L+K Yearbook 2014"/>
|6<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|Two L-410FG used for [[Surveillance aircraft|surveillance]]<ref name="L+K Yearbook 2014">{{cite journal|last1=Čadil|first1=Jan|title=Vzdušné síly AČR - Ročenka 2014|journal=Letectví a kosmonautika|date=2014-08-06|pages=4–6|trans-title=Czech Air Force Yearbook 2014|language=Czech, English|issn= 0024-1156}}</ref>
|-
|[[Airbus A319CJ]]
|[[France]]
|[[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]]
|[[Airbus A319#A319CJ|A319CJ]]
|2<ref>{{cite web|title=A-319CJ Airbus - Transport Aircraft|url=http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=8627|website=Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic|publisher=Ministry of Defence|accessdate=12 April 2015}}</ref>
|
|-
|[[EADS CASA C-295|CASA C-295]]
|[[Spain]]
|Cargo / [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|[[EADS CASA C-295#Variants|C-295M]]
|6<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
|[[Mil Mi-17]]
|[[Soviet Union]]
|[[Utility helicopter|Utility]]
|[[Mil Mi-17#Variants|17/171]]
|20<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
|[[PZL W-3 Sokół|PZL W-3]]
|[[Poland]]
|Utility
|[[PZL W-3 Sokół|W-3A]]
|10<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 
|-
|[[Bell AH-1Z Viper|Bell AH-1Z]]
|[[United States]]
|[[Attack helicopter|Attack]]
| 
|4<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|6 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
|[[Bell UH-1Y Venom|Bell UH-1Y]]
|United States
|Utility
|
|8<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|2 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
|[[Aero L-159 ALCA|Aero L-159]]
|Czech Republic
|[[Jet trainer]]
|[[Aero L-159 Alca#L-159T1|L-159T1]]/[[Aero L-159 Alca#L-159T2|T2]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Aero Vodochody delivers third L-159T2 aircraft to Czech Republic |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/aero-vodochody-l-159t2-czech-republic/?cf-view |website= Airforce technology |access-date=5 October 2023 |date= 7 June 2019}}</ref>
|8<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
|[[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39 Gripen]]
|Sweden
|Jet trainer
|[[Saab JAS 39 Gripen#Variants|JAS 39D]]
|2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|Leased from the Swedish Air Force
|}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* Brown, Alan Clifford. ''The Czechoslovak Air Force in Britain, 1940–1945'' (PhD Thesis). University of Southampton, Faculty of Arts, School of Humanities, 1998, 237 pages. [http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/42318/]
*{{cite journal |last1=Cejka|first1=Zdenek|title=Courrier des Lecteurs|journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=August 2001 |issue=101 |page=2 |trans-title= Readers' Letters |language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Cejka|first1=Zdenek|title=Les Nieuport Techécoslovaques |journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=January 2001 |issue=94 |pages=38–47 |trans-title=The Czech Nieuports |language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Cejka|first1=Zdenek|title=Les Nieuport Techécoslovaques |journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=February 2001 |issue=95 |pages=42–47 |language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
*{{cite book |last1=Hájková |first1=Leona |title=Czech Air Force |date=2023 |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (Czech Republic)|Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic]] – Military History Institute Prague |location=Prague |isbn=978-80-7278-860-6 |edition=1st}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Kudlicka|first1=Bohumir|title=Des avions français en Tchécoslovaquie: les unités de chasse sur Spad |journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=August 2001 |issue=101 |pages=52–56 |trans-title=French Aircraft in Czechoslovakia: The Fighter Units with Spads|language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Kudlicka|first1=Bohumir|last2=Cony|first2=Christophe|name-list-style=amp |title=Des avions français en Tchéchoslovaquie |journal=Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire |date=April 2001 |issue=97 |pages=47–49 |trans-title=French Aircraft in Czechoslovakia |language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
* Titz, Zdenek; Davies, Gordon and Ward, Richard. ''Czechoslovakian Air Force, 1918–1970 (Aircam Aviation Series no. S5)''. Reading, Berkshire, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 1971. {{ISBN|0-85045-021-7}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Air force of the Czech Republic}}
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/cz-af.htm Global Security entry]
* [http://www.army.cz Official Czech Army site]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070815222616/http://www.gripenavprag.se/ Book about JAS Gripen in Prague]
* [http://www.afterburner.cz Photo galleries of the Czech Air Force]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111213073545/http://www.photo-planes.com/search.php?value=operator&word=Czech%20Air%20Force Photo at Photo Planes.com]
* [http://www.snemovna.cz/eknih/1996ps/stenprot/010schuz/s010026.htm Transcript of Czech Parliament concerning MiG-29 exchange with Poland] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718184110/http://www.snemovna.cz/eknih/1996ps/stenprot/010schuz/s010026.htm |date=18 July 2011 }}

{{Air forces in Europe}}
{{NATO Air Forces}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Czech Air Force| ]]
[[Category:Military of the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:Aviation in the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:1993 establishments in the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1993]]