Czech aircraft company Aero Vodochody and the Czech Ministry of Defense will meet with Iraqi government and military representatives in Prague on 23-24th January with a view to landing a deal to supply 20 of its L-159 fighter planes.

The manufacturer, part of the Penta group, has reportedly already received Kč 25.2 million ($1.3 million) just for storing the slightly used planes on behalf of the Ministry.

The ministry can expect to receive a maximum of Kč 30 million ($1.5 million) for each plane, though a barter deal for Iraqi oil is an option being discussed.

Competition for the deal comes from the Hawk light combat and training plane manufactured by BAE Systems of the UK, and the T-50 Golden Eagle, developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin of the US together with Korea Aerospace Industries and Korea’s Agency for Defense Development.

Pavel Bulant, head of the ministry’s armaments department, says there’s a good chance the Czechs will clinch the deal to supply the fledgling Iraqi air force.  Aviation specialist and journalist Michal Zdobinský says that in order for the Czech offer to have any chance, the deal would have to have the blessing of the US.

(Source: Czech Position)

The Czech Republic might sell up to 25 Aero L-159 ALCA (Advanced Light Combat Aircraft) subsonic fighter aircraft to Iraq, according to Prague Monitor.

The deal requires approval from the U.S., which supplied avionic equipment to the planes. According to some information, Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg discussed the issue on his visit to the USA recently.

“The Czech Republic has for a long time been trying to sell its [redundant] L-159s on the foreign market. It is a quality aircraft with a broad training and combat potential. Apart from the Czech military, it could definitely prove itself elsewhere in the world. I can confirm that one of the countries that are interested in L-159s is Iraq,” Jan Pejsek, head of the Defence Ministry’s press department, as is quoted as saying.

Aero L-159 ALCA (Advanced Light Combat Aircraft) is a light combat plane primarily designed for attacks on ground targets and for direct support of ground units.

It can also be used for aerial reconnaissance and combat.

(Source: Prague Monitor)