UAVs for Polish troops in Afghanistan chosen
2010-02-02

"The winner of the ended electronic bidding the for the delivery of two sets of medium-range unmanned systems is an Israeli company Aeronautics Defense System offering UAV Aerostar", Minister of National Defence Bogdan Klich announced during a press conference on 1st February. The bid was conducted under Urgent Operational Need procedure.

The value of the purchase is 89 million zlotys net while the original price was 144 million zlotys. Delivery will be made within 7 months from the date of the contract, expected in mid-February. Three Israeli companies took part in the tender: Aeronautics Defense System (Aerostar), Elbit Systems (Hermes 450) and Israel Aerospace Industries (Searcher III). Proceedings lasted from the autumn of last year and were completed today, during an 1.5 h electronic auction between two of the competitors - Elbit and Aeronautics Defense System.

“One set will go directly to Afghanistan to the province of Ghazni to strengthen the capabilities of the Polish Military Contingent, the other one will remain in Poland for training purposes. We regard the acquisition of UAVs as strengthening of the surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities also in Poland" Minister of Defence Bogdan Klich explained. Since April Polish reconnaissance capability in Afghanistan will be enhanced through two Predators to be lent by USA. The contracted UAVs will also mean the enhancement of the reconnaissance capabilities of Polish soldiers.

As Undersecretary of State for Armament and Modernization in MoND Marcin Idzik explained not only a set price but also operating costs were taken into consideration during the analysis as PAF are going to operate the selected UAVs for about 20 years (..). As it was also announced during the conference, the second contestant’s offered price was 122 mln zł, while the third offer was rejected on formal grounds and due to the failure to comply with the requirements of the Polish side.

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