Prague - Almost all missiles owned by the Czech Army have its durability exceeded three-fold and can be dangerous, according to the Supreme Audit Office's (NKÚ) latest release.
"All anti-aircraft guided missiles of the Czech army have their technical durability guaranteed by producer exceeded two-fold or three-fold. Further extending the limit brings security risks and does not guarantee a reliable usage," said NKÚ president František Dohnal.
Defense Ministry argues that anti-aircraft missiles can be used for relatively long time thanks to regular checks. They will have to be replaced no sooner than in 2010.
Army's spokesman Andrej Čírtek claimed that were the Army to buy new ammunition now, the NKÚ could accuse it for handling taxpayers' money in an uneconomical manner.
No-bid acquisition criticized
On top of that, NKÚ criticizes the Army for acquiring anti-rocket systems RBS-70 without any selection procedure being held.
"Replacement of portable anti-aircraft missile systems was initiated in 2002. Defense Ministry did not carry out a market research whatsoever and in 2004 it turned to only one contractor with whom it signed a contract of purchase with price being higher than CZK one billion (25 million euro)", said Dohnal.
However, Dohnal added that the Army´s action did not breach the law on public tender that was in force then.
