CZ Defence: Modernization of eight donated helicopters will cost 8.1 billion crowns

The modernization of the eight helicopters of the H-1 system, which the Czech Republic will receive from the United States for assistance to Ukraine, will cost a total of 8.1 billion crowns. Most of the amount will be paid by the US as compensation for donations by Russia to the country attacked. The Czech Republic will pay about 1.42 billion crowns from the amount. In total, the Czech Republic has earmarked 3.65 billion crowns for the delivery of eight donated helicopters. In addition to the additional payment for modernization, the amount also includes VAT payments for delivered goods, costs associated with customs and licensing procedures and transport, or exchange rate reserves. Information about the price was provided by the CZ Defense server. The contract will be discussed by the government on Wednesday.

The Czech Republic will receive two UH-1Y Venom helicopters and six AH-1Z Viper helicopters as part of the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program to help Ukraine. They should be delivered in the following years. The donated helicopters should match the condition and equipment of the new machines after modernization. The order also includes the procurement of accessories, a flight simulator and spare parts for the maintenance of all eight helicopters.

The Czech Republic has already bought 12 new helicopters of the H-1 system, the last one arrived in the Czech Republic in June. These were eight multirole UH-1Y Venom and four AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. In November 2019, the Ministry of Defense approved the purchase of 12 helicopters from the USA at a price of 14.6 billion crowns without VAT, i.e. approximately 17.6 billion crowns with VAT. The contract was signed in the USA in December 2019 by then minister Lubomír Metnar (ANO).

According to the server, the reason for the technical evaluation of the donated helicopters of the H-1 system is to ensure full operational capabilities and further development of the helicopter air force of the Czech Army, as well as to increase the ability to cooperate with each other in the North Atlantic Alliance and reduce dependence on Russia. The helicopters of the H-1 system in the Czech army are being replaced by the Russian Mi-24V/35.