Macedonian Minister of Defense Vlado Misajlovski in an interview with TV 21 said that the relevant ministry had reviewed the contract for the purchase of helicopters from the Italian company “Leonardo” and that the review confirmed the remarks that were previously noted by the State Audit Office (SAO), after which the case is being reviewed by the competent institutions, but that the key goal remains for them to arrive in the country without delay.
”The most important thing is for the helicopters to arrive. This is a huge industry, and the “Leonardo” company is one of the largest companies in this area and their helicopters are used by several NATO countries,’ said the minister.
Misajlovski pointed out that the initial offer for the purchase was around EUR 213 million, but the contract later increased to EUR 249 million including VAT, which according to him is one of the most serious issues in the process.
The defense minister explained that the institutions had two options: an arbitration procedure for the entire contract or continuing the process with improved conditions.
The minister informed that the delivery of the helicopters is expected by the end of next year, with the first aircraft likely to arrive in the second half of the period.
Misajlovski noted that the state will pay around EUR 100 million this year for the contract with the “Leonardo” company, which significantly affects the Ministry’s budget.
