TSAMTO, November 17. On November 11, the Croatian Ministry of defense announced the completion of the verification process of the received offers for the supply of new multi-purpose fighters and the beginning of the evaluation process.
During the tender process for the purchase of a multi-purpose fighter, bidders had the opportunity to submit the best and final bid (BAFO) no later than November 11, 2020.
As stated, by November 10, the United States submitted a proposal for the supply of new F-16 Block. 70 aircraft, Israel-former f-16 Block.30 aircraft used by the Israeli air force, France – former Rafale, and Sweden – by November 11 for the sale of new JAS-39C/D Gripen.
The decision-making procedure at the state level will begin in early 2021 and includes the conclusion of the defense Committee of the Croatian Parliament, the defense Council and the decision of the government of the country. These offers are classified and will not be published during the evaluation and selection of the best offer.
As reported by TSAMTO, the Croatian defense Ministry intends to purchase aircraft to replace the MiG-21bisD / UMD in service. In July 2019, the defense Committee of the Croatian Parliament agreed to resume the process of purchasing fighter jets in order to independently protect the country's airspace after an unsuccessful attempt to purchase the deeply modernized F-16C / D Block.30 in Israel.
In January 2020, the Croatian leadership sent a new request for proposals for the purchase of fighter jets to seven selected countries. Invitations for the delivery of new aircraft were sent to the United States (F-16) and Sweden (Gripen), and for former fighters – to Greece, Israel and Norway (F-16), Italy (Typhoon) and France (Rafale). It is planned to purchase 12 fighters for the air force.
By September 9, Sweden, the United States, France and Israel had submitted their proposals for the delivery of fighter jets. So, the United States offered new f-16 Blok-70/72, Sweden-Jas-39C/D "Gripen" of Saab, France - "Rafale" from the air force, and Israel-former f-16 Blok-30. Norway declined to participate in the competition because it was unable to submit a proposal that met the requirements. Greece and Italy were unable to submit their responses within the deadline.
It is expected that the inter-Ministerial Commission for the purchase of multi-purpose combat aircraft will develop recommendations for the purchase of new-generation fighters for the air force and submit them to the Parliament and the government for consideration.