Skopje, 15 December 2023 (MIA) - Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Ludva signed a framework agreement on Friday, which for the first time in Macedonian history systematically resolves the challenges of timely procurement of spare parts, repair and consumable materials for the needs of Mil Mi-8, Bell 206 and Zlin 242L transport helicopters. The agreement worth EUR 5 million will be active in the next five years, or until the procurement of new helicopter platforms as part of the plan to modernize the Army, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.

After the signing of the agreement, drawn-up by the "government-to-government" principle to exclude all possibilities of corruption during the process, Minister Petrovska said that this is an important day for the Macedonian Air Force as it enables timely and quick delivery of any parts required for the functionality of the aircraft of North Macedonia's Army. 

"The Air Force faced systemic deficiencies in the procurement and maintenance of helicopters and airplanes, something that will be resolved with today's framework agreement ensuring full functionality of army helicopters and airplanes, until the procurement and use of new helicopters regarding which I expect a decision to be made soon." Petrovska said.

Minister Petrovska expressed gratitude for the cooperation with the Czech Republic and aviation repair company LOM PRAHA s.p. that are currently repairing two army transport helicopters.

The press release adds that Ambassador Ludva thanked for the excellent defence cooperation, which resulted in this agreement, adding that LOM PRAHA is a repair company that functions in accordance with NATO standards.

"LOM PRAHA is a Czech state-owned company in an Alliance member country that facilitates the quality control process and guarantees the validity of spare parts. After analysis made by the expert staff at the Ministry and Chief of Staff, this company was named most suitable for this type of service. The Ministry of Defence has successfully cooperated with LOM PRAHA, especially with the repair of two army transport helicopters that should be returned to North Macedonia in the first half of 2024," the Ministry of Defence said. ssh/nn/

Photo: Ministry of Defence