PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Dec. 12, 1996 -- At a ceremony today to market the opening of its office in Prague, McDonnell Douglas announced that it intends to place production of parts for its F/A-18 Hornet in the Czech Republic, should the nation decide to procure the strike fighter for its air force.
"In our estimation, the technical capability of the Czech industry is outstanding," said Bud Mitchell, vice president for international F/A-18 market development. "We are excited about the opportunity to build a strategic alliance with the Czech Republic that builds on this strong capability and allows the nation's industry to increase export sales and enter new markets.
"The office we are opening today is crucial to being able to achieve this objective," Mitchell said. The Prague office is headed by Benjamin S. Park, director for the corporation's new business and industrial participation efforts in the Czech Republic.
Mitchell said McDonnell Douglas intends to have Aero Vodochody produce Hornet parts. He also said McDonnell Douglas is in discussion with Skoda Plzen on various commercial activities. "While the details remain to be worked out, we are committed to having both companies as partners in our industrial participation program," Mitchell said.
Over the past six months McDonnell Douglas has conducted a survey of more than 30 Czech companies. These companies covered a variety of industrial sectors.
McDonnell said the corporation is now in discussion with a number of companies on projects that would be part of this broad-based partnership.
With 23 industrial participation programs in 17 different countries -- including Finland and Switzerland for the F/A-18 Hornet -- McDonnell Douglas is the world leader in implementing industrial participation programs. Of the programs completed to date, all have met or exceeded the offset obligation on or ahead of schedule.
The F/A-18 Hornet, produced for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and eight international customers, is currently being considered by the Czech Republic for the modernization of its air force.
96-314
McDonnell Douglas
(314) 234-4187