Andrew Doyle/MUNICH
The Czech Republic is this week expected to issue a long-delayed request for proposals (RFP) calling for the supply of up to 36 new-build supersonic fighter aircraft following cabinet approval of the tender document on 3 January.
Poland has meanwhile received responses to a revised request for information (RFI) on options for leasing used fighters as an interim solution for updating its air force.
The Czech RFP will require manufacturers to make bids for 24 and 36 aircraft. A bidders conference is to be held by the end of next month. Offer deadline is 31 May.
Prague aims to assess responses by the end of September based on aircraft performance, offset provision, pricing and financing proposals, clearing the way for a selection announcement by year end. The country is demanding direct and indirect industrial offsets worth 150% of the estimated CKr100 billion ($2.5 billion) purchase price.
Bidders are expected to include Lockheed Martin and Boeing, offering the F-16 and a refurbished version of the F-15, respectively. Saab/BAE Systems will offer the Gripen; Dassault, the Mirage 2000; and Eurofighter, the Typhoon.
Sounding a note of caution the Czech Government says that despite issuing a formal tender, it has yet to decide whether to go ahead with the purchase. In addition, any contract requires approval from the main parlimentary opposition parties, some of which are against the acquisition. A key question remains the Czech Republic's ability to finance a purchase.
Poland has received updated RFI responses delinking the provision of used fighters from any commitment to make a follow-on purchase of new-build aircraft.
Saab/BAE Systems has offered a five-year loan of 16 Swedish air force Gripens plus a support package and 100% offset. According to the Polish defence ministry, offers of used F-16s and F-15s have been received from the US Government along with a Mirage-based proposal from Dassault.
A decision on proceeding with a formal tender is expected next month although the government is widely seen as favouring an F-16 lease.
Source: Flight International
