AERO VODOCHODY general director Zdenek Chalupnik says that the new L-159 light attack aircraft could be the last aircraft to be developed and manufactured in the Czech Republic.
In comments made at the first East-West Industrial Workshop in Prague - intended to establish a dialogue between the industries of NATO and the Partnership for Peace countries - Chalupnik said that he felt that any future Czech aircraft developments will be within the framework of international programmes. The best the Czech industry can hope for, is as a "significant partner" in such programmes, he adds.
The East-West workshop was the first of its kind organised by the NATO Industrial Advisory Group, and was attended by senior defence industry representatives from 26 NATO and Partnership for Peace countries. Issues addressed included the necessity to establish rules of co-operation for Partner nations and the exchange of information with NATO on quality assurance specifications and standards.
Source: Flight International