Agence France-Presse, The Czech Republic is in talks with Georgia over the possible sale of 10 to 12 L-159s, its sub-sonic light fighter aircraft, deputy defense minister Martin Bartak said May 16, according to the CTK news agency.
Talks over the possible sale were launched during Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek’s visit to the former Soviet republic last week, with Georgian experts expected to visit Prague within weeks, Bartak added.
Georgia’s pro-Western government is seeking to join NATO and at the same time dealing with separatist moves from several regions, whose demands are supported by neighboring Russia.
Long-running talks with Nigeria about the possible purchase of 10-15 of the light aircraft in a deal worth around a million dollars (730,000 euros) should continue, Bartak added.
So far, only the Czech army has bought the aircraft produced by Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody. The army initially ordered 72 aircraft but scaled back its needs, leaving the company searching for a buyer for its 47 excess planes.
