A Czech government selection committee has recommended the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen to meet its country's interim air defence fighter requirement.
The committee nominated the aircraft as the best economic, operational and military solution. Its recommendation now goes to the Czech cabinet, with a decision due by the end of the year.
Prague is seeking a lease agreement for five or 10 years, with the latter duration more likely.
The Czech Republic cancelled an initial order for 24 Gripens in November 2002. It is now looking to acquire 12 single-seat and two two-seat versions. The Czechs have asked for operational aircraft by early 2005.
Announcing the decision yesterday, Gripen International officials were jubilant not only that the aircraft had beaten off offers of used Boeing F/A-18s from Canada and Lockheed Martin F-16s from either US Air Force stocks or used examples from the Netherlands or Belgium, but that the selection committee members had voted 9-0 in favour of the Swedish-British bid.
"We're absolutely delighted," says Stephen Reeves, executive vice-president for international marketing.
Yesterday also marked the announcement of a new worldwide marketing campaign for the aircraft. Interest in Gripen at the show has been so strong, says Reeves, that several Middle East nations have now asked for detailed technical briefings.
Source: Flight Daily News
