The Czech Republic Tactical Air Force base in Čáslav will undergo extensive modernisation of the airport infrastructure, which is necessary to ensure its further full-fledged operation. The College of the Minister of Defence has therefore approved a contract for the complete modernisation of the airport. The winner of the tender procedure was the company association „Čáslav Airport Company - 2nd stage“, represented by the managing partner HOCHTIEF Infrastructure GmbH, with a bid price of CZK 5.33 billion excluding VAT.
Construction work is expected to begin this spring and will focus primarily on the demolition and construction of a new runway, taxiways and related infrastructure.
According to the ministry, the current railway has not been fundamentally reconstructed for several decades and its technical condition no longer meets long-term operational and safety requirements.
Modernisation is crucial not only for the operation of aviation technology Army of the Czech Republic, but also for the fulfilment of alliance commitments under NATO. Čáslav Airport is one of the strategic military bases in the country and is home to the Supersonic Tactical Air Force, which provides protection of the Czech Republic's airspace and participates in alliance tasks. The upgraded infrastructure is intended to enable the safe operation of current and future types of military aircraft and increase interoperability with alliance partners.
The Ministry of Defence also envisages the possibility of partial reimbursement of costs by NATO. If certain conditions are met, it would be possible to apply for reimbursement of expenses up to CZK 1.6 billion, which would significantly reduce the impact of the investment on the state budget.
The contract with the supplier is to be concluded by the end of March. The actual construction works, including the subsequent certification of the airport and approval, are scheduled for of two years. During this period, the base operations will be organised to maintain the core capabilities of the Air Force.
The contract is awarded in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, under the special rules of an international organisation, by way of an international tender. This step is a continuation of the Ministry of Defence's long-term plan for the modernisation of military infrastructure to meet current security challenges and the Czech Republic's commitments to its allies.
Ministry of Defence/gnews.cz - GH
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