Defense Ministry currently performs the final assessment of procurement offers for 4×4 light and medium-sized tactical transports for the country’s National Armed Forces.
Talks regarding procurement of 4×4 light and medium-sized tactical transports were organized in two stages. Twelve contenders submitted applications for the first stage. Defense Ministry’s procurement commission picked six for the second stage.
Offer from four contenders were received for the second stage of talks: Oy Sisu Auto (Finland) – GTP 4×4; AM General (USA) – HMMWV; Paramount Group (South Africa) – Marauder LAV and Otokar (Turkey) – Cobra. In accordance with the procurement procedure, representatives of the National Armed Forces performed tests of offered transports, the ministry notes.
Members of the procurement commission also organized multiple talks with each of four contenders to clarify submitted offers and technical details. Officials continue compiling results of talks.
In accordance with requirements of the procurement, the final assessment will take into account transports’ operational performance, compliance with technical requirements of armed forces, financial offers and security solutions for supplies, the ministry stresses.
As previously reported, procurement of new 4×4 light and medium-sized tactical transports will help improve mobility of Latvia’s National Armed Forces. Tactical mobility is a vital index for combat capabilities. Inability to provide combat units with reliable transport platforms would make it impossible for National Armed Forces to perform their duties appropriately.
Transports are also needed to realize development projects associated with artillery, anti-air defence and National Guard. Transport have to be able to perform personnel transport, cargo transport, command or med-support functions, as well as include armor and weapon installation possibilities, the ministries explain.
Defense Ministry informs that from 2018 onward the country’s defense budget is EUR 576.34 million. Of this amount, it is planned to invest EUR 220.27 million in development of defensive capabilities. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
