The Czech Republic is facing mounting pressure to resolve chronic funding problems for its air force and aerospace industry following the publication of an open letter to President Vaclav Havel from several hundred Czech air force personnel claiming that the service is disintegrating because of a lack of spares and training.
The letter was published against a background of increasing activity by the USA to secure an order from Prague for new fighter aircraft and attempts by the Czech Government to use the competition to find a US or European partner to rescue local jet-trainer manufacturer Aero Vodochody.
Although a new fighter purchase has been under discussion for about two years, no decision seems likely soon. Reports confirmed by the parliamentary defence committee state that there will be no money for new aircraft purchases for about four years. As a result, the possibility of leasing modern aircraft has gone to the top of the agenda. During the last week of January, the US Government formally offered seven McDonnell Douglas (MDC) F-18s (six A and one B model aircraft) on lease, with the first five years of operation free. A similar deal has been offered on the Lockheed Martin F-16. British Aerospace and Saab are competing for the order with the Saab JAS39 Gripen, while Dassault is offering its Mirage 2000 combat aircraft.
The fighter deal is being increasingly linked to the future security of Aero Vodochody. The state is looking to sell 34% of the manufacturer and, at a political level, there are clear attempts to link the fighter procurement with a stake in loss-making company.
Given the limited number of aircraft required and the risk involved, some manufacturers have be- come increasingly uneasy at the link. Boeing, which is in the throes of acquiring MDC, has already linked with Czech airline CSA to make a bid, and Lockheed Martin is negotiating with several potential local partners.
BAe and Saab are expected to announce formally their intention to bid in early February. The deadline for tenders is 2 April.
One local newspaper reported recently that the Government is considering trading Aero Vodochody and its debt of Koruna1 billion ($36 million) in exchange for fighter aircraft.
The numbers in the Czech fighter deal are small - probably no more than enough to form two squadrons - but they are significant because this is likely to be the first of many Eastern European nations expected to re-equip with new fighters shortly.
Source: Flight International
