Czech Republic approves L-159 sale to Draken

The Czech government on 2 January formally approved the potential sale of 28 ex-service Aero Vodochody L-159 aircraft to private firm Draken International. Although the final price of the aircraft will depend on its condition, the deal is valued by the Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) at USD21.72-25.8 million. 

The potential sale to Draken, which was revealed in December, could be concluded as soon as the end of January, with deliveries occurring before the end of 2014, it is understood.

Draken, which offers commercial 'red air' combat pilot training services to the United States armed services, already operates the earlier Aero L-139 Albatross, alongside Douglas A-4K Skyhawk aircraft and Aermacchi MB-339CB trainers, and purchased 25 MiG-21UM/bis 'Fishbed' fighters from Poland in September.

Janes