Slovakian military tender for 4x4 armored vehicles threatened.

The Slovakian MoD is progressing in the purchase procedure of 4x4 combat armored and multirole tactical vehicles for its armed forces via international tender. The proposal for this tender procedure was approved by the Security Council and the Cabinet on 20 February 2019.

Competitors of the Slovakian military tender for 4x4 armored tactical vehiclereplacement (Picture source: Slovakian MoD)

The 4x4 platform replacement process started as early as 2013. Following detailed analyses of procurement methods and an assessment of available vehicles and potential manufacturers based on a market survey, the 4x4 platform modernization programme going out to international tender was identified as the most advantageous method of procurement.

At the same time, the Cabinet cancelled its previous decision on the research and development of 4x4 vehicles for the needs of the SVK Armed Forces.

Now, the Slovakian Ministry of Defence refuses any attempts to undermine the international tender. The operational requirements were defined by service personnel who themselves will be the end users of the vehicles.. The Ministry of Defence is strongly opposed to the issue of securing the defence of the Slovak Republic being exploited for political gain. Nevertheless, in the interest of ensuring maximum transparency, if after the unjustified attacks the suspicion that the tender conditions have been tailored to one bidder only is proved, the Minister of Defence is ready to cancel the international tender.