Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has categorically ruled out the transfer of L-159 aircraft to Ukraine, despite support from Czech President Petr Pavel and the country's top military official, according to Idnes. The statement came amid contrasting positions from Czech officials on the potential sale of L-159 aircraft to Ukraine as Kyiv continues to seek international assistance amid Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The current Czech ruling coalition is rather pro-Russian—not as openly as Slovakia’s leader Robert Fico or Hungary’s Viktor Orbán—but it questions military aid for Ukraine and often takes stances that may benefit Russia.
Babiš shuts down aircraft transfer and lashes out at army chief
Idnes says that during the congress of his ANO party on 24 January, Babiš described the public discussion over supplying Ukraine with L-159 jets as an “artificial problem” and declared the matter completely settled.
“There are no L-159s, and there won’t be. It’s a closed case,” he said.
He also launched a sharp personal attack on Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka, who had previously supported the idea of providing four aircraft to Ukraine.
“Karel Řehka would have done better to remain silent,” Babiš stated, accusing him of undermining Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna, who said the aircraft were still needed by the Czech military. “He should fall in line, he should know his place. I don’t understand why Mr. Řehka is acting against his own minister — it’s not normal,” the prime minister added.
Government blocks transfer despite presidential support
Czech President Petr Pavel had publicly supported the idea during a recent visit to Ukraine, suggesting the Czech Republic could sell four L-159 aircraft to help Kyiv resist Russian aggression. General Řehka also considered such a transfer possible. But the Czech government, led by Babiš’s ANO movement and backed by the right-wing Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), has opposed the move.
Babiš dismissed Pavel’s actions as campaign-oriented, saying,
“I understand that the President is already campaigning. I don’t want to waste energy on disputes—I want to use energy to fulfill our program.”
Czechia is set to hold Senate elections only in October.
A week ago, Chamber of Deputies Speaker Tomio Okamura, the chairman of one of the ruling coalition parties, announced that the coalition was against sending the aircraft to Ukraine. Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna echoed this stance, emphasizing the army’s need for the jets. Okamura acknowledged the planes’ high combat value despite their low residual value and argued that replacements would cost more than the sale price.
