US wants to intercept Czech, China radar deal: report

PRAGUE (AFP) May 17, 2004
The United States wants to buy a Czech radar system that can detect stealth aircraft in order to intercept a sale to China, the daily Lidove Noviny said Monday, quoting a "reliable source".

The Vera radar system is an updated version of one reportedly used by Serb forces to shoot down a US F-117A stealth fighter in March 1999.

"The Americans want to partially compensate the (non) furnishing of radars to China. They also want to test their own installations with the help of these radars," the source was quoted as saying.

Czech media say Washington has repeatedly expressed its concern over the granting of a Czech export license for the Chinese deal, said to be worth about 1.5 billion korunas (47 million euros, 57 million dollars).

The Czech industry and trade ministry, which grants such licenses, told AFP that the one for China had not been withdrawn but that discussions continued and that the defence and foreign affairs ministry also had a say in the matter.

The Vera system replaced the Tamara radar that is said to have been used to shoot down a US F-117 Nighthawk fighter on March 27, 1999 during a NATO bombing campaign that forced Serb forces to withdraw from Kosovo.

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