Madrid (EFE).- The Council of Ministers has approved an agreement that allows the Ministry of Defense to undertake the modernization and acquisition of weapons and material for the Armed Forces for an amount of almost 4,000 million euros.
The agreement modifies the limits established in the General Budget Law to acquire spending commitments charged to future years so that Defense can reconsider the following seven special programs for modernization of the Armed Forces.
Armed Forces Programs
-Pizarro Program: Promoted in the 90s to acquire chain fighting vehicles. The amount of this project amounts to 16,355,000 euros and affects the 2024 and 2025 annuities.
-NH-90 Program (II): Consists of the renewal of medium-sized tactical transport helicopters in service. It is a joint program. It currently consists of two phases, the first practically completed, and the second, NH-90 (II), the subject of this file. The amount of this project amounts to 39,800,000 euros and affects the years 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027.
-VCR 8X8 Program: This is a new estimate of the costs of a production contract for 348 8×8 Combat Vehicles on Wheels (VCR), which was approved by the Council of Ministers on December 14, 2018. The amount of this project amounts to 420,000,000 euros and affects the annuities between 2024 and 2028.
Modernization on land, sea and air
-MH60-R Helicopter: It is a new program for the acquisition of eight multipurpose naval helicopters, model ‘Multi-Misssion Multi-Role Helicopter’ (MH-60R). The amount of this project amounts to 820,515,490.36 euros and affects the annuities between 2023 and 2029.
-Chain Support Vehicle (VAC), 1st Phase: Another new program that seeks the progressive replacement of Army Armored Caterpillar Transport Vehicles (TOA) by Chain Support Vehicles (VAC). The program is scheduled to take place in several phases. This dossier would cover the first. The amount of this project amounts to 1,970,000,000 euros and affects the years between 2023 and 2035.
-Acquisition of two Coastal Hydrographic Vessels (BHC): Also a new program to replace the hydrographic units with which the Navy operates. The renewal of that fleet, which includes the BHCs, amounts to 162,754,754.26 euros and affects the annuities between 2023 and 2026.
-High Performance Tactical Remotely Manned Air Systems (SIRTAP): Also a new program to acquire nine high performance tactical remotely manned aerial systems (SIRTAP), as well as the necessary initial logistical support. The amount of this project amounts to 500,000,000 euros and affects the annuities between 2023 and 2031.