26 January 2019 - Montenegrin Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces of Montenegro have initiated the procurement procedure for 67 armored all-terrain vehicles to be used by the Army of Montenegro. The Ministry plans to borrow 30 million EUR for the purchase of 67 armored all-terrain vehicles, as envisaged by the 2019 Budget Law. The government’s documents state budget allocations for 2019 will go up by 2.98% compared to last year, due to vehicle purchases and payment of installments for helicopters, writes Pobjeda daily.
“After all tactical and technical characteristics had been determined, the Ministry of Defense consulted some of the world’s top vehicle producers from different countries. So far, we have had consultations with the following companies: Iveco Defence Vehicles – the Republic of Italy, Urovesa – Spain, Nurol Makina, and BMC – the Republic of Turkey, Elbit Systems – Israel, Lockheed Martin, and Oshkosh Defence LLC –the United States of America,” the Ministry of Defense told Pobjeda daily.
When asked about the fundamental characteristics of the armored all-terrain vehicles that are to be purchased, the Ministry said special attention would be paid to meeting the international standards. In addition, the Ministry will also strive for meeting the existing international standards in the area of protection and security of the crew belonging to defense.
The Government’s documents state that finds for defense will make 2,98% of GDP in 2019, more than predicted by NATO standards and caused by the provision of armored vehicles and payment of installments for helicopters.
“Profit that the Ministry of Defense makes by selling armament, selling and renting former military property (immovable) and provision of services, as well as the funds on the basis of refunding costs by NATO, will amount up to 5.000.000 EUR and will be used for the achievement of partnership objectives and equipment of the Army, inclusive of uniforms,” said representatives of Ministry of Defence of Montenegro.
During September 2018, Armed Forces of Montenegro bought two new Bell 412 EPI multi-purpose helicopters. Bell 412 EP/EPI multi-purpose four-wheeled helicopters are designed for the transport of passengers, injured and sick people, search and rescue, cargo transfer, fire extinguishing, and border control. The capacity of the delivered version is 13 seats.
