Andrew Doyle/MUNICH
The Czech Government is evaluating the responses to its request for information (RFI) on Western fighter aircraft ahead of the expected release of a formal request for proposals (RFP) next year. The country, which joined NATO earlier this year, requires up to 36 aircraft to replace its ageing Russian-built supersonic fighters.
The US Government provided pricing and availability data on the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and confirms that it has also offered the Czech Republic an unsolicited interim lease solution. This would involve the provision of used F-16A/Bs or F/A-18A/Bs that are surplus to US requirements, in a similar offer to that made to Poland earlier this year (Flight International, 21-27 July).
Saab/British Aerospace says it decided to base its offer on the supply of 36 Gripens, comprising 30 single-seat and six twin-seat versions. It did not address the possibility of an interim lease, but would be "happy to make proposals" if asked, according to BAe vice-president central Europe, Julian Scopes.
Sweden has already offered to lease Poland a squadron of Gripens, after that country specified an interim lease requirement in its own fighter RFI.
Also supplying information to the Czech Republic were DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (Dasa),on behalf of the Eurofighter consortium, and France's Dassault Aviation, on its Mirage 2000. The Eurofighter is not seen as a realistic option for the Czech Republic due to its prohibitive cost.
Confusion surrounds the Czech Republic's intended timetable for its fighter acquisition, with the defence ministry suggesting an RFP will be issued shortly ahead of a selection as early as the second quarter of next year. The air force wants to take delivery of aircraft from 2003, when it is to begin retiring its Mikoyan MiG-21s.
Other government sources say, however, that due to budget constraints the country may take up to a year to evaluate the RFI responses before initiating a formal tender process. This would lead to selection in 2003/4 and deliveries from 2006, requiring an interim lease solution to be considered.
Source: Flight International
