Inizia il grande aggiornamento della base aerea chiave della Repubblica Ceca per la flotta F-35

Years of preparation and administrative delays are over; the most expensive Czech military project of this decade can begin. With the relocation of JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to Pardubice airbase, the long-planned modernization of the Čáslav military airbase is finally starting.

However, municipalities in the surrounding area have expressed concerns about increased heavy traffic related to the extensive reconstruction and are awaiting a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Defence.

“The first Gripens were moved to Pardubice at the beginning of March. Subsonic L-159 ALCA aircraft will be transferred by the end of the month to the Náměšť nad Oslavou base. From these two bases, pilots will take off to protect Czech and NATO airspace. The operational pause at Čáslav airbase will last from April 2026 until autumn 2028,” said Hana Havrdová, spokesperson for the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Čáslav.

The Ministry of Defence has approved the modernization of the Čáslav base, where F-35 fighter jets will eventually operate. In 2031, the Czech Republic will receive its first six Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft, and selected personnel will begin training in the United States. With this acquisition, the Czech Air Force will join the group of NATO’s most advanced air forces.

The full reconstruction of the Čáslav airbase is one of the most demanding infrastructure projects, significantly changing the current appearance of the base.

The first phase, starting in April, includes rebuilding the runway. The runway, originally built in the 1950s, has undergone only minimal repairs since then and is reaching the end of its service life. A completely new runway will be built on the same footprint, but with significantly higher durability thanks to improved concrete.

“The reconstruction of the runway, including new airfield lighting, will last until the end of 2028,” said Ministry of Defence spokesperson David Šíma.

Following the runway upgrade, construction will begin on a unique F-35 Campus — a complex of buildings including operational and maintenance hangars, spare parts storage, facilities for technical staff and pilots, accommodation, offices, an operations centre, and simulator buildings.

The campus will be located in the northwestern part of the airbase, where reinforced shelters for L-159 aircraft currently stand. According to defence experts, the location is suitable both in terms of security requirements and noise distribution.

Security measures across the base will also be significantly strengthened. The entire perimeter will be surrounded by a roughly two-kilometre-long and seven-metre-high earth embankment with noise barriers, reaching up to 13 metres in total height with additional structures.

The modernization will also bring concerns for nearby municipalities, especially regarding increased transport during construction and the future level of aircraft noise. Local officials are seeking clarification from the Ministry of Defence on how the project will affect daily life in surrounding towns and villages.

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