“Ministry of Defence indistinctly depicted the reasons to lease 14 supersonic aircrafts,” says president of the Supreme Audit Office
Press release
May 28, 2007
The audit performed by the Supreme Audit Office (SAO) aimed at managing the state properties and state budget finances when introducing JAS 39 Gripen and L-159 aircrafts as defensive equipment of the Air Force of the Czech Army. “Ministry of Defence has no long-term perspective on development of the defence department,“ said František Dohnal, the president of SAO.
The audited period covered years 2004 and 2005, including associated data of the previous time and till the end of the audit. The audited body was Ministry of Defence (MD).
The 2005 MD office plan scheduled a priority elaboration of long-term development lookout until 2020. However, it had not been produced until the audit began.
Previously planned purchases of aircrafts, which would replace the retiring MiG-21 supersonic aircrafts, were not carried out. In 2004, the government decided to make a contract with the Kingdom of Sweden concerning a lease of versatile JAS 39 Gripen supersonic aircrafts and attendant services till 2015 so that the integrity of the Czech Republic's airspace was secured. “The total price of the contract footed up to CZK 20 684,195 million; 19 650 million for the rent and 1 034.195 million to cover the income tax paid by the lessor. The conceptual documentation did not include reasons for renting exactly 14 supersonic aircrafts,“ said president Dohnal.
The government had to think out the armament of JAS 39 Gripen aircrafts additionally, as the contractual documents poorly described such purpose in 2003. Later on, MD entered into an amendment agreement with the producers, which boosted the former price with another CZK 135,873 million for downloading mid-range missiles with radar trackers. Operational bombard ammunition would not be used because of its unreliability, which is why the aircrafts used only dummy ammunition.
From 2000 till 2004, MD acquired 72 L-159 aircrafts altogether. According to the Conception 2003 document, the real need had been cut down to 24 operating aircrafts. In 2004, MD decided there was no use for the redundant L-159 aircrafts, which were temporarily packed away. “Under the contract with the producers with duration from 2006 to 2010, the preservation and deposit costs of those aircrafts will eventually reach CZK 346,6 million in case the ministry cannot find a new purchaser,“ said the president of SAO.
The audit report lists several expected risks, which could threaten operational abilities of the tactical aircrafts, among them:
- Prospective lack of well trained pilots who could fly JAS 39 Gripen aircrafts,
- Insufficiency of properly trained aviation personnel,
- Poorly organized current maintenance of the JAS 39 Gripen aircrafts caused by insecure guarantee of the safety level required,
- Scarce chances to apply L-159 aircrafts during outland missions or any drills within NATO, as these aircrafts miss appropriate identification equipments.
To button up tactical air force tasks, 60 % service availability of L-159 and JAS 39 Gripen aircrafts must be guaranteed. “If replacement parts are provided and experienced technical staff are accessible, the required availability can be accomplished,“ said František Dohnal.
The audit operation was included in the Annual Audit Plan of SAO for the year 2006 under No. 06/19. Ladislav Zeman, member of the Board, controlled the auditing operation and drew up the audit report as well.
Radka Burketová
Press Speaker
Supreme Audit Office