Iraq To Buy Czech Aero Vodochody L-159 Advanced Trainer Jets

The Iraqi government has announced its plans to purchase Czech-made Aero Vodochody L-159 advanced trainer/light-attack jets. The announcement comes on Thursday as Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki visits Prague to hold talks with his Czech counterpart Petr Necas. "Further talks about purchasing the L-159 will take place on Friday between the Iraqi and Czech defense ministries," he said. Talks about an L-159 purchase between Baghdad and Prague have been underway for at least three years, according to Defense Industry Daily. According to reports, Prague hopes to sell at least 24 jets formerly used by the Czech Air Force. The L-159 can be armed with Sidewinder missiles, targeting pods and laser-guided air-to-surface weapons, and can operate from austere airstrips.