The Government buys high-performance drones for the Army

Madrid (EFE)

The contract includes the supply of nine complete systems and two simulators with instruction and training capacity and initial logistical support, as reported by the acting Executive after the Council meeting.

The purpose of purchasing this system is to replace those of this type that are at the end of their operational life and to improve and enhance the capabilities of the Army and the Air and Space Army.

Application of the Contingency Fund

The Government has also approved this Tuesday the application of the Contingency Fund to finance credit modifications to cover expenses of the Armed Forces that participate in peacekeeping operations for an amount of 471.8 million euros.

Also the framework agreement for the acquisition of at least 5,800 rifles and 5,900 pistols for the Army for 23.8 million euros in order to renew the weapons of the units that take part in peace missions and improve the equipment with which they carry out their work.

The framework agreement will last until December 20, 2026, with the possibility of an extension of 2 more years, until December 20, 2028.

The Government has also given the green light to the execution of the contract to update the intelligence communications system for an estimated amount of 50.8 million euros, which will make it possible to extend their life, maintain their operability and improve their benefits.

Spare parts for sustaining F-18 aircraft

On the other hand, the fifth amendment to the contract between Spain and the United States has been authorized for the acquisition of standard spare parts for the maintenance of the F-18 (C.15) aircraft, vital for the maintenance of the C.15 fleet based in Zaragoza, Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) and Gando (Gran Canaria).

As this contract that is being amended does not guarantee the continued maintenance of the fleet, an increase of 28 million euros has been requested in the year 2023.

The seventh amendment to the contract between the two countries has been authorized for the acquisition of components, spare parts and accessories for the same aircraft and, along the same lines, an increase of 19 million euros has been requested in the year 2023.

The Council of Ministers has authorized this Tuesday the conclusion of the contract for life and accident insurance services for the personnel of the Armed Forces, health civil liability insurance and aviation civil liability insurance for an estimated value of 18.2 million euros.

And finally, in the field of Defense, the Council of Ministers has approved the execution of the contract to restore and adapt the capabilities and level of operational availability of the Navy radio direction finding system (SIRGA) for 16.9 million euros.