The procedure for the purchase of 4x4 light and medium-sized tactical vehicles has been organized in two stages. In the first stage, 12 candidates submitted applications for participation in the tender procedure, of which six were nominated for the second round by the procurement commission of the Ministry of Defense.
In the second phase of the negotiation procedure, four offers were received: Oy Sisu Auto (Finland) - GTP 4x4, AM General (USA) - HMMWV, Paramount Group (South Africa) - Marauder LAV and Otokar (Turkey) - Cobra.
According to the procurement procedure, representatives of the National Armed Forces conducted testing of all offered vehicles in May.
During testing, the performance of the vehicles was assessed as well as the technical compliance with the requirements of the armed forces. Vehicles were tested on both public and off-road conditions. The assessment of such platforms was carried out by the National Armed Forces for the first time.
Meanwhile the Procurement Commission continues to hammer out the small print of the tenders with the companies concerned and no final decision has yet been made on what will actually be bought or how much will be spent.
The total amount of the defense budget for 2018 is €576 million, of which €220 million is for capacity development projects including infrastructure development, airspace monitoring and air defense capabilities, the Land Forces Mechanized Infantry Brigade Mechanization Project, and the development of the Battle and Response Capabilities of the National Armed Forces, including the National Guard.
As previously reported by LSM, several contracts for off-road vehicles of various types have already been signed.
