The Czech government has greenlit a program to provide flight training for up to eight Ukrainian pilots this year, through the state-owned company LOM Praha. This initiative, proposed by Defense Minister Jana Černochová, involves 150 hours of flight training, valued at approximately CZK 32 million.
This training is part of the Czech Republic’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. While the Czech military does not operate F-16s, for which the Ukrainian pilots are being trained, Ukraine has also shown interest in simulator and L-39 subsonic aircraft training.
Minister Černochová emphasized the importance of well-trained forces, including air forces, for Ukraine’s effective defense. She stated that “continued support for the attacked Ukraine is also in its strategic interest” as an active member of the “coalition of capabilities.”
The 150 hours of training, valued at CZK 32 million, are being provided by the Czech Air Force at no cost, using hours it no longer needs this year. All expenses will be covered by the Ministry of Defense’s approved budget.
Jiří Protiva, director of LOM Praha, highlighted that training Ukrainian pilots is both a professional challenge and an expression of solidarity, noting their capacity, know-how, and experience are being offered where “truly needed.”
An amendment to an existing contract between the Ministry of Defense and LOM Praha, along with a mutual cooperation agreement between the defense ministries of the Czech Republic and Ukraine, will cover additional services worth approximately CZK 4.5 million (including ground preparation, simulators, logistical support, and medical examinations).
This training aligns with the Czech Republic’s national mandate for deploying Ministry of Defense resources in foreign operations and hosting foreign armed forces until 2026. This mandate permits up to 800 Ukrainian and EU/NATO military personnel to train on Czech territory from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026.
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