Czech Republic to spend CZK 10 billion replacing Russian helicopters

The Czech Republic is planning to buy 12 military helicopters at a cost of around CZK 10 billion crowns, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said on a visit to a helicopter base in Náměšť nad Oslavou on Tuesday. The new aircraft will replace existing Russian ones and only firms from NATO and EU states are likely to be allowed enter the tender process. The state will also put over CZK 500 million into renovating the base in Náměšť nad Oslavou, a process that should be completed in 2018, according to Mr. Sobotka.