The Czech military will purchase 16 new mobile anti-aircraft missile systems by 2007 from Sweden to replace Soviet-made S-2Ms, said the Defense Ministry on Tuesday.

The purchase of Saab's RBS-70s, worth 1 billion korunas (about 43.3 million US dollars), was negotiated last autumn.

According to the contract, the Swedish government will provide training of specialists and instructors, a simulator and other accessories for the systems.

The RBS-70s will be compatible with NATO systems. So far, the Czech military has only earmarked a mechanized battalion, a chemical defense company, a special forces company and a mobile passive surveillance unit for NATO operations.

By 2009, the Czech Republic will be able to offer NATO an entire task force at a brigade level.

Source: Xinhua