Yesterday, Minister of Defence Jana Černochová informed the government about the contract for the service support of H-1 multi-purpose helicopters – life cycle assurance, which will be implemented by a contract within the framework of vertical cooperation with LOM PRAHA s.p. This cooperation provides comprehensive service of the H-1 helicopter system, which includes overhauls, service repairs, maintenance, supply of spare parts and provision of technical support.

Picture: AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter in Czech camouflage | 22.zVrL

The contract is in accordance with the H-1 Helicopter Service Contract with the United States Government. "Thanks to the vertical cooperation with LOM PRAHA s.p., we will have secured the life cycle of our helicopters until the end of 2030. This is crucial to ensure efficient operation and fulfilment of our defence obligations," said Defence Minister Jana Černochová.

The total value of the vertical cooperation carried out by LOM PRAHA s.p. amounts to CZK 1.3 billion, excluding VAT. This value was determined on the basis of the expected fleet flight and planned maintenance in the following periods, experience with the use of funds for the operation of the Mi series helicopters in service so far, as well as on the basis of information obtained from the US and the discussions of the working teams of the Ministry of Defence. 

The subject of the contract is to provide comprehensive servicing of the H-1 helicopter system (8 UH-1Y Venom and 4 AH-1Z Viper) in accordance with the manufacturer's applicable technical documentation, which includes:

• execution of overhauls
• performing service repairs and maintenance
• supply of spare parts
• provision of technical support and renewal of operational terms for the H-1 system, spare aggregates and necessary equipment, according to the requirements of the Helicopter Aviation Base Náměšt' nad Oslavou – Sedlec AČR

Service support of multi-purpose H-1 helicopters is necessary to ensure the life cycle of the acquired H-1 helicopter system and comprehensive support of the operation of the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters of the Air Force of the Czech Air Force, which is a set of services, works, technologies, materials and support activities to ensure consistently high reliability, combat capability and ensure the continued airworthiness of H-1 helicopters for the performance of tasks within the Czech Army, NATO and the EU.

In the event that the contract for the servicing of these machines is not concluded, it will not be possible to operate the helicopters to the full extent after delivery, which would negate the investment of approximately CZK 15 billion for the acquisition of this system, which includes servicing.

The existing Mi 24/35 helicopters still in use by the Czech Armed Forces will be retired from service by 31 December 2023, and if the acquired H-1 helicopter systems were not delivered and subsequently operated, the Czech Army would lack a combat helicopter, which is one of the main weapon systems used to support ground troops and to destroy armoured vehicles and light fortified objects. It can also be used for destroying air support of the adversary on the battlefield and for destroying radar, anti-aircraft and other equipment and facilities. Without air support and rapid airlift, the capability of mechanized troops and airborne units is also greatly reduced.

The Minister also stressed that the implementation of the vertical cooperation will run from the conclusion of the service contract until 31 December 2030. "I am convinced that the cooperation with LOM PRAHA s.p. will allow us to keep our helicopters in the best technical condition and at the same time strengthen the Czech defence industry," the Minister added.