The Czech Republic is set to modernize the Pardubice Airport through a substantial investment of over 410 million crowns. This modernization is strategically important as it aims to ensure that the airport can serve as a backup facility during possible exclusions of other air bases. Pardubice Airport, which also operates as a public international airport, is used by both commercial low-budget airlines and for military purposes, including training and hosting allied military equipment.
The planned modernization, to be undertaken by Metrostav DIZ sro and Marhold as, includes reconstructing the airport's infrastructure to support operations of the Czech Air Force (AČR) aircraft. The project, set to be completed within 750 days from the contract signing date of October 23, 2023, involves significant security and infrastructure enhancements, although specific details remain classified.
This upgrade is not directly related to the potential acquisition of F-35 aircraft by the Czech Republic, but it prepares the airport to support all kinds of military aviation, including advanced fifth-generation aircraft. The modernization of Pardubice Airport, which has previously undergone significant upgrades including the extension of runways and construction of new terminals, is critical for maintaining operational readiness and flexibility, especially considering the planned modernization of the Čáslav air force base, which will house F-35s in the future.
