Czech Gripen Lease Extended

摘要

Approval was granted on March 12 by the Czech Government to extend the lease of its 14 Saab JAS 39C/D Gripens. Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka announced that the lease will be extended by a further 12 years, with an option for two more (further to Czech Gripen Extension Closer, September 2013, p12). Additional costs will be incurred if the Gripens fly more than 2,200 hour each year, while 25 pilots and 90 ground personnel will be trained on the aircraft by Sweden. Under the terms of the new contract the aircraft will be upgraded with improved air-to-ground capabilities, night-vision goggle compatible cockpits, and a terrain avoidance system will be installed.