Czech government confirms Gripen selection

12/17/2003 5:23 PM EST

Czech government confirms Gripen
selection

The government of the Czech Republic at a cabinet meeting today has
confirmed the recommendation of its evaluation committee to select
Gripen as the interim air defence solution to meet the Czech Republic's
national and NATO needs.

Gripen will replace the Russian MIG 21 aircraft currently operated by
the Czech Air Force.

FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) will now, on behalf of the
Swedish government, embark on a period of negotiation with our Czech
partners in order to achieve successful implementation of this important
contract.

Sweden has offered the Czech Republic to lease 14 new Gripen aircraft of
the latest version (twelve single seater and two dual seater) for a
period of up to ten years. The offer also includes training of Czech
pilots and maintenance personnel as well as a logistic package.

The Czech Republic is the second NATO nation to select Gripen for its
air defence. Hungary became the first with its decision in 2001.

Subject to successful contract negotiations, Czech Air Force Gripen
fighters will be delivered between April and August in 2005.

Any queries regarding this press release should be addressed to Ulf
Lindstrom FMV´s Press Relations Manager, mobile + 46 70-982 63 96.

FMV is an authority responsible directly to the Swedish government. FMV
is responsible for the procurement and support of defence materiel
throughout its life cycle from the initial study stage through to
disposal. FMV´s dominant customers are Sweden's armed forces. FMV
employs about 2,100 personnel at sites located mainly in Stockholm but
also in Arboga, Linköping, Karlsborg and Vidsel.