Andrew Doyle/Munich
The Czech Government plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) by the end of November for the supply of up to 36 supersonic fighters to replace the country's ageing Soviet era frontline fleet.
The deadline for responses is likely to be late April next year, with the winner to be selected in September. The competition is expected to be between the Boeing F-15R Eagle, Dassault Mirage 2000, Lockheed Martin F-16 and Saab/BAE Systems Gripen. EADS is leading a Eurofighter offer, but this option is likely to prove prohibitively expensive.
Despite having signalled its intention to start a formal competition, the Czech Government has yet to publicly commit itself to going through with the purchase.
Pivotal to any deal will be offset provision, with the Czechs seeking industrial investments worth at least 150% of contract value.
The Cabinet is due to decide by the end of this month whether the RFP will specify a requirement for 24 or 36 aircraft. The target delivery date for the first new aircraft will be late 2004.
Some industry sources question whether Prague will be able to fund the acquisition, given the budget difficulties plaguing its order for 72 Aero Vodochody L-159 light attack aircraft. Further complicating the picture is the country's general election, due to take place in early 2002. The main opposition party has already stated it will scrub any supersonic fighter purchase if elected.
Aero, meanwhile, says a series of technical problems suffered during Czech air force L-159 acceptance tests have been resolved. It expects to deliver up to 16 aircraft by the end of the year, although it had been due to hand over 21 L-159s by the end of December. All 72 aircraft on firm order should be delivered by 2002.
Aero vice president light attack/ trainer aircraft programmes Viktor Kucera says fixes have been developed to address a fault with the engine jetpipe mounting and oil leaks within the engine compartment. These have "been implemented on production aircraft".
Kucera claims a dispute with the Czech defence ministry over L-159 price escalation caused by the strength of the US dollar against the Czech crown have also been resolved.
• The US Congress is expected to be notified shortly of a proposed no-cost lease to Poland of 16 surplus Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighters. Poland would be required to pay for spares, training and any aircraft upgrades. The US Department of Defense is supporting the deal and is looking at supplying the ADF version of the fighter.
Source: Flight International
