Battle escalates over future Czech fighter contract as Gripen deal runs down

Fighter manufacturers are preparing to battle for the right to provide the planes that should protect Czech airspace after 2015

Companies|Foreign Affairs

Martin Shabu | 14.09.2011

CZE

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A fight between the Gripen JAS-39 and F-16 to patrol Czech airspace looks on the cards

The Czech hire contract with the Swedish government for JAS-39 Gripen jet fighters to protect Czech airspace runs out in 2015; speculation is mounting over whether the deal will be extended or another fighter chosen. PM Petr Nečas is said to favor an American solution; charges that massive bribes were used by BAE Systems-SAAB when trying to land a deal to sell JAS-39s could work in Washington’s favor.

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