Defence Forces purchase Patria pilot training services

Minister of Defence Jussi Niinistö has authorised the Defence Forces to complete a procurement contract on preliminary and basic pilot training services with Patria Aviation.

In addition to pilot training, the contract covers maintenance of aircraft necessary during training, said an official press release on Friday.

The contract is related to the development programme concerning air defence and to the development of pilot training.

The training will focus on the Vinka and Grob aircraft used in basic pilot training. The procurement's overall value is about EUR 4.7 million and the contract will cover the year 2019.

The domestic employment effect of the contract will be about 25 person-years

Meanwhile, the Finnish Defence Forces also received a mandate from Minister to conclude a contract with Millog Oy to upgrade the JURMO class landing craft.

This is part of the development programme to upgrade maritime defence's combat management system. The procurement's overall value is about EUR 13 million and the deliveries are planned to take place in 2019-2022.