Skopje, 29 March 2024 (MIA) – The procurement of eight helicopters manufactured by the Italian company 'Leonardo' will cost EUR 249.9 million, and the first helicopter is set to be delivered during the second half of 2026, Defence Minister Slavjanka Petrovska said Friday.

Speaking at Friday's press conference after visiting the pilot training center in the Petrovec barracks, Petrovska told reporters that the total amount includes the helicopters, construction of a hangar for housing the helicopters, as well as appropriate training for the pilots. 

As regards the originally set price for the procurement, Petrovska pointed out that in the past years, as in other segments, prices in the military industry have been constantly growing.

"It should be noted that the originally set price for the procurement is from several years ago, and you know that unfortunately, the past years in general in the military industry as well as in all other segments have been constantly growing, so I believe that what the team managed to negotiate with the company providing all the necessary additional equipment for smooth operation and execution of all tasks, missions and operations, the price that has been announced has finally been achieved," said Petrovska. 

She added that some of the helicopters will be armed, and the remaining will have the possibility to be armed additionally if the need arises.

Petrovska noted that the two helicopters sent for overhaul in the Czech Republic will be back in the country in the coming days, because the overhaul has been completed, and final checks were now underway. 

In addition, she said the Ministry received a letter late afternoon yesterday from the anti-corruption commission, which had opened a case for the procurement of the helicopters, adding that documentation is already being prepared, regarding which she expressed hope that it will be delivered to the commission before the expiration of the specified deadline.

Photo: MIA archive