Iraq to Buys 28 Czech L-159 Advanced Trainers

The Iraqi government intends to buy Czech-made 28 Aero Vodochody L-159 advanced trainer/light-attack jets, Iraq’s Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Thursday in Prague after talks with his Czech counterpart Petr Necas, local TV reported.

The Czech government hopes to sell Iraq up to 24 of the jets, which Defense Industry Daily says are used aircraft which were operated for a short time by the Czech Air Force.

"I am glad I can announce that we have agreed upon delivery of 28 pieces of L-159 to Iraqi Air Force," Czech Defence Minister Alexandr Vondra said at the press conference held at the end of talks with his Iraqi counterpart.

Both Minister of Defence of the Republic of Iraq Sadoon Al-Dulaimi and Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic Alexandr Vondra informed the media immediately after their return from the Aero Vodochody Company, the manufacturer of L-159 ALCA (Attack Light Combat Aircraft).

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and his delegation met first with the Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas at the beginning of their visit on 11 October 2012, and confirmed ongoing interest in defence cooperation with the Czech Republic.

"Negotiations on the delivery of L-159 - which lasted two years - will significantly contribute both to defence capabilities of Iraq and will help introduce this type of aircraft to other markets", added Minister Vondra.

Defence ministers also discussed possible delivery of new small arms from the Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod to Iraq and Czech offer to modernise T-72 tanks of Iraqi Armed Forces.


Source: arabianaerospace.aero News - 15 October 2012

Photo: The Czech Republic Air Force Aero Vodochody L-159 Advanced Trainer & Light-Attack Aircraft (Photo by arabianaerospace.aero)


(15.10.2012)