US to donate 6 attack, 2 utility helicopters to Czech Republic

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) - The US agreed to donate to Czechia six attack and two utility helicopters to the Czech Republic, according to the central European nation’s defense minister.

Six AH-1Z attack helicopters and two UH-1Y utility choppers will be in the deal, Jana Cernochova told public broadcaster CT24 on Thursday.

She said the Czech Republic is determined to go ahead with a new arms purchase which would significantly strengthen the armed forces.

“We are interested in buying new fighter aircraft, infantry fighting vehicles and drones in close future,” said Cernochova.

"If we don't want the war to move somewhere near our border, then we have to do it," she added, in an obvious reference to the ongoing Russian attack on Ukraine.

The US Embassy in Prague confirmed that Czechia would receive the helicopters in the scope of the US’ Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.

The Czech Republic will pay only for modernization and transfer costs of the helicopters, it said.