Government endorses Defence Minister's proposal to cancel 4x4 Multirole Tactical Vehicle procurement programme and to refurbish Kuchyňa Air Base

The SVK Government today endorsed the Defence Minister's proposal to cancel the 4x4 Multirole Tactical Vehicle procurement programme. In parallel to this, it also approved the start of procurement for essential restoration and refurbishment of Kuchyňa Air Base.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď was appreciative of the Government's decision to scrap the 4x4 vehicle procurement programme for the SVK Armed Forces. He warned against a lack of transparency with respect to the procurement process in the past. "The vehicles, as they were configured, do not meet the requirements of the Armed Forces. Moreover, nor was the process in terms of preparation brought to an end," he emphasised. According to his words, there is no doubt soldiers need new equipment. Nevertheless, it must be procured transparently, systemically and purposefully.

On the refurbishment of Kuchyňa Air Base, the Minister explained that the main reason for that is the need to create enough parking stands for C-27J Spartan airlifters and Let L-410 Turbolet transport aircraft. "Apart from this, we will need to move aircraft from Sliač Air Base, which we must prepare for the arrival of F-16 fighter jets. Therefore, at Kuchyňa we will restore the airfield operational surfaces and adjust infrastructure to meet the current requirements. We plan to go ahead with the renovation this year already," he said.

According to a Government-approved document, the refurbishment and extension of the existing operational aprons and the installation of the airfield drainage and ground lighting systems will be part of airfield works at Kuchyňa Air Base. The total costs associated with the design documentation for the construction permit procedure and the implementation of works are estimated at €5,042,118.66, VAT included.