Slovakia submits the purchase of 2 C-27J aircraft to an offset condition

(B2)For the purchase of two new tactical transport aircraft - at least - Slovakia has chosen the C-27J Spartan from the Italian Alenia Aeronautica (device built in collaboration with Lockeed Martin). At least a priori … Because, if the tender was won by the Italian manufacturer, no contract has yet been signed, according to the Slovak media. " Until the agreement is signed, the tender is not closed explains Defense Minister Jaroslav Baska.

The essence of the final negotiation relates to the compensations (offset) that the seller can offer, in particular the realization of an "offset" program in the amount equivalent to the sum paid for the purchase. Slovakia, hit hard by the financial crisis, particularly wants a concrete impact in terms of job creation.

This plane has an engine identical to that of the C-130 Hercules and a range of between 2000 and 6000 km. It can carry a mass of approximately 12 tonnes (ie 68 men with equipment or 24 stretchers in the medical evacuation version). Competitor of the Spanish Casa C-295 - it was bought by Italy and Greece in particular also equips (or will equip) certain fleets of Eastern European countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania).

(NGV)