Czech Government OKs Talks With EADS Over Plane SwapMonday April 21st, 2008 / 20h58
PRAGUE (AFP)--The Czech government has cleared talks with European aircraft manufacturer European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADSY) over swapping Czech-made light combat aircraft for mid-range tactical transport planes, the Czech ministry of defense said Monday.
The deal, if it goes ahead, would see the Czech Republic get a new EADS CASA C-295M transporter in return for five L-159 light combat aircraft that it no longer needs.
A proposed memorandum of understanding between the two sides also paves the way for EADS to offer to sell the Czech Republic an additional three transport aircraft and to provide logistical support for them.
In addition, EADS would have an option of taking a further five L-159 combat aircraft from the Czech military, while the defense ministry could opt for two more C-295M transport aircraft which, according to needs, could be substituted for an Airbus A400M, the ministry said in a statement.
Talks aimed at filling out the details of the deals outlined in the memorandum should take place over the next few months once the memorandum has been signed, the ministry said. The first transport aircraft could be delivered within a year of the memorandum being inked, it added.
The Czech army urgently needs transport aircraft to replace Antonov An-26 planes, which are nearing the end of their service life.
The government Monday postponed a call by the defense ministry to announce it would not take part in a project by a series of NATO countries to jointly buy and operate three C-17 cargo aircraft. The army has criticized the project's cost, adding that it would only partially meet its needs.
Prague has also been linked to talks with Washington over the acquisition of Hercules cargo planes.
Monday April 21st, 2008 / 20h58 Source : Dowjones Business News
Source
http://www.easybourse.com/bourse-actualite/eads/czech-government-oks-talks-with-eads-over-plane-swap-NL0000235190-437895
Back to Index
Move to Top 
