Deputy Defence Minister M. Majer in Sweden: We are seeking most advantageous and effective solution to IFVs for SVK military as we conduct market research
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- Date: 13.04.2021
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Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer paid a visit to the Kingdom of Sweden. Joined by representatives of the SVK Armed Forces, Mr Majer visited BAE Systems Hägglunds as part of a market research being conducted under the SVK MOD's Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) Programme for the purpose of delivering on Slovakia's NATO commitment to standing up a Heavy Mechanised Brigade. The SVK delegation, accompanied by Deputy Chief of the Swedish Army Brig Gen Laura Swaan Wrede, viewed demonstrations of the CV90 family of combat vehicles. As part of the official programme, Deputy Defence Minister Majer also held online talks with State Secretary of the Swedish Ministry of Defence Jan-Olof Lind on current themes and possibilities of bilateral cooperation.
Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer said: “As an active and full-fledged member of the Alliance, we realise the inevitability of Slovakia coming through on its commitments, which is why the MOD leadership is taking forward the modernisation of the Slovak Armed Forces as a matter of priority for the purpose of changing the current state of delivery of this our commitment,” before adding that by researching the market the MOD wants to consider all aspects of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle Programme ahead, so that the entire process may be as transparent and beneficial as possible and the decision to announce a contract award so as to deliver this programme is made without any unnecessary delay. “Under this commitment, the modernisation of tracked armoured infantry fighting vehicles is among the key capabilities. That is why the MOD is in preliminary negotiations with selected companies to gather information and invite initial bids,” he added.
The online talks between Mr Majer and Mr Lind were dominated by themes such as the SVK Armed Forces modernisation, the SVK MOD's current priorities, and the visit of the SVK delegation to Sweden-based BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Slovakia considers the Kingdom of Sweden as an important partner with lots of common issues, be that in the field of bilateral defence cooperation or at the multilateral level with the EU,” said Mr Majer. He also updated his Swedish counterpart on the GLOBSEC security conference to be organised in Bratislava.
There was also a space to discuss topics exploring and strengthening mutual areas of cooperation. Swedish State Secretary Lind expressed his interest in restoring the SWE-SVK Commission as work is underway on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both countries.
Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer said: “As an active and full-fledged member of the Alliance, we realise the inevitability of Slovakia coming through on its commitments, which is why the MOD leadership is taking forward the modernisation of the Slovak Armed Forces as a matter of priority for the purpose of changing the current state of delivery of this our commitment,” before adding that by researching the market the MOD wants to consider all aspects of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle Programme ahead, so that the entire process may be as transparent and beneficial as possible and the decision to announce a contract award so as to deliver this programme is made without any unnecessary delay. “Under this commitment, the modernisation of tracked armoured infantry fighting vehicles is among the key capabilities. That is why the MOD is in preliminary negotiations with selected companies to gather information and invite initial bids,” he added.
The online talks between Mr Majer and Mr Lind were dominated by themes such as the SVK Armed Forces modernisation, the SVK MOD's current priorities, and the visit of the SVK delegation to Sweden-based BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Slovakia considers the Kingdom of Sweden as an important partner with lots of common issues, be that in the field of bilateral defence cooperation or at the multilateral level with the EU,” said Mr Majer. He also updated his Swedish counterpart on the GLOBSEC security conference to be organised in Bratislava.
There was also a space to discuss topics exploring and strengthening mutual areas of cooperation. Swedish State Secretary Lind expressed his interest in restoring the SWE-SVK Commission as work is underway on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both countries.
