Prague - The Czech military's CASA transport planes are ready to be deployed in combat missions, two years after they were purchased in a controversial and highly criticized deal. Their system of passive protection, called DAS, is allegedly fully operational now.
"The trials ended with very good results, so the military now has four fully-operational aircraft ready to be deployed abroad," said Defense Minister Vlastimil Picek, who explained that the DAS system's purpose is to detect and protect the plane from heat-seeking missiles, radiation and laser beams.
The repair works took two years because the military did not want to accept a malfunctioning defense system, said Czech National Armaments Office director Pavel Bulant. The Omnipol arms dealing company that supplied the planes paid the military CZK 20 million (EUR 770,000) for the delay.
The purchase of CASA aircraft was from the beginning criticized by experts and media as too expensive. Former Defense Minister Vlasta Parkanova (TOP 09) and her deputy Jiri Stanek are currently both investigated for the deal.
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In spite of the non-functioning defense system, the planes have been routinely used in the past two years, said Chief of the General Staff Petr Pavel. "The aircraft have been able to carry out transport tasks since 2010, since then they have completed more than 3,500 flight hours," said Pavel. The transport planes have been used in Afghanistan and Kosovo. According to the chief of general staff, CASAs are economical and reliable planes.
It is not clear yet when will the military use the fully-operational aircraft for the first time. "We are currently considering a possible deployment, it is being discussed," said Picek, adding that he believes that the aircraft will soon be deployed to dangerous areas.
