The Czech government on Wednesday agreed to start talks with the U.S. on deliveries of F-35 Lightning II fighters to replace leased Gripen fighters from Sweden's Saab AB, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said, Reuters reported.

Prague will also negotiate the purchase of the combat vehicles from the Swedish subsidiary BAE Systems after the cancellation of the tender for supply.

"This is another step to modernize the army and meet our alliance commitments," Fiala told a news conference shown live on television.

"These are important decisions at a time when the security of Europe and the Czech Republic faces new challenges caused by Russia's aggression in Ukraine."

Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said the country needs 24 F-35s, and negotiations should be completed by next October.

The Czech Republic currently has 14 Swedish-made Gripen aircraft under a lease agreement until 2027.