MOD is a step closer to making Sliač Air Base modern through NATO NSPA
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- Date: 15.07.2020
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Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď today provided an update to the SVK Cabinet on the next steps to complete the refurbishment and upgrade of the Slovak Air Force base in Sliač. In the interest of securing maximum transparency, the MOD has reviewed the procurement procedures and estimated costs for the base refurbishment and modernisation project. Sliač Air Base must be ready by 2023 to support the arrival and operational service of new F-16 fighter jets.
Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “We want to prevent any doubts from arising and therefore we have decided to implement this procurement through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which has experience with similar projects, for example, from Albania, Belgium, Lithuania, Italy and other countries. At the same time, this choice guarantees maximum transparency as the Agency operates on a “no profit - no loss” basis and applies the rules of international competitive bidding in procurement.”
Thanks to the international tender, Slovak firms and companies, too, will be able to participate in the base renovations, the head of the MOD reminded. He also stressed that the MOD insists on preserving the dual military and civilian use of the air base even after completion of its refurbishment. “Indeed, we will do the absolute maximum we can to this end,” he added.
Based on the document submitted to the Cabinet, the MOD reckons with the estimated costs of €69 million, VAT excluded. Funding for the project is secured from the defence budget. However, the real costs of refurbishment works to Sliač Air Base will reflect the calculations in the design documentation for the building permit procedure and the implementation of airfield works, as well as the results of the tender.