The Czech Republic has announced that is projects to purchase 12 helicopters from the United States in a deal expected to cost $630 million in a deal to be formally signed later in the year. The new fleet is expected to replace its aging Russian-made Mi-24 aircraft and they are to be delivered by 2023.
According to the country’s defense ministry, the Czech armed forces will buy eight UH-1Y Venom multi-purpose helicopters and four AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. Additionally, the contract will include other equipment, ammunition, a training simulator and initial conversion training for pilots and technical personnel is included.
In May, the U.S. State Department approved the sale to the Czech Republic of either 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters or four AH-1Zs plus UH-1Y utility helicopters. The Czech Republic has been seeking to minimize its dependence on Russian technology and weaponry and as such it can be viewed in her latest military purchases that veer away from Russia.
