The Czech government is proposing the lease of 14 supersonic fighters to add to its fleet of Aero Vodochody L-159 subsonic fighters, which it is reducing from 71 to 18. The country last year cancelled a plan to buy 24 Saab/BAE Systems Gripens to replace its eight Mikoyan MiG-21s, and defence minister Miroslav Kostelka says the air force will lease fighters over the next five to 10 years until a new competition is resolved. Talks with the UK are to be extended to Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA for the 14 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
