STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 13 (UPI) -- The Czech Republic will continue to lease 14 Gripen C/D fighters from Sweden for a period of 12 years, the Swedish Defense and Security Export Agency said.
FXM said the JAS 39 agreement, two years in the making, will be signed next month.
"It has been a long, tough process with, at times, very intensive negotiations, so it is obviously gratifying that the Czech Republic has now taken a positive decision," FXM Director General Ulf Hammarstrom said in a release. "It is an agreement that is to the advantage of both parties and helps promote cost-efficiency for the air forces of both Sweden and the Czech Republic."
The Swedish agency did not provide details of the financial value of the agreement but said the deal includes training and upgrading of the aircraft as well as logistical and operational support.
The Czech Republic first leased the aircraft in 2004, becoming the first NATO member to fly the Gripen.
The Gripen is made by Saab.
