AERO Vodochody Aerospace in talks over sale of jet fighters

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Dec. 3 (UPI)

Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody Aerospace says it is party to negotiations between the Ministry of Defense and Draken International for the sale of its jets.

Draken is a U.S. firm that provides tactical fighter aircraft for contract air services for customers such as the U.S. military for airborne adversary support, flight training, threat simulation, electronic warfare support, aerial refueling, research, and testing services.

The Czech Ministry of Defense last week announced it was negotiating with Draken over the sale of as many as 28 surplus Aero Vodochody L-159A tactical jets.

"The successful conclusion of the sale and introduction of the aircraft in the U.S.A. would mark new phase in the life of L-159 and would bring significant benefits for Aero and other aerospace manufacturers in the Czech Republic involved in the program," Aero Vodochody said.

"Furthermore, Aero and L-159 program would benefit from the partnership on the American market, which could significantly increase the export potential of L-159 on the Latin and South American markets, where the light attack category has very good prospects."

The Czech company said it is also holding talks with Draken over future cooperation but offered no additional details.

The L-159A is a single-seat light combat aircraft produced by the company from 1997 to 2003.