Government approves €1.2bn military purchase

The government approved a classified document on the €1.2bn purchase of armored vehicles. It does not allocate the money, but specifies rules for the procurement. The state-owned firm Konštrukta Defence is developing a prototype with Patria, a Finnish company. Defense Minister Peter Gajdoš (SNS) reckons that if the Army finds the prototype lacking, it will not buy the vehicles from Patria. Media, though, say the Army has already green-lit a purchase of the vehicles from Patria for €420m. It is willing to hold a tender for the purchase of smaller vehicles for €800m. (SME/2)

The Finance Ministry’s Value for Money unit admits it does not have enough information about the deal. Its standpoint praises the Army for producing a prototype first, and only then deciding about the purchase.

(SME/2)