Polish manufacturer PZL Meilec is close to finalising a long-delayed deal with Indonesia covering the sale of 10 additional M28 Skytrucks.
The Polish defence ministry says it signed a general agreement to co-operate with the Indonesian defence ministry this month in Jakarta, but Indonesia has not yet signed a proposed contract with PZL Meilec for the Skytrucks. Indonesia’s police received four Skytrucks in early 2004 and Jakarta and Warsaw have been in talks since 2003 about the extra 10 aircraft for the Indonesian armed forces.
“Talks will continue. They are still trying to put finishing touches to the agreement. It may be signed in the near future,” says the Polish defence ministry, adding that the use of the initial four aircraft in earthquake relief operations has increased Indonesia’s interest in the proposed follow-on purchase.
The ministry says the Polish government has offered a credit line to finance the 10 aircraft, but Poland does not plan to buy anything in return from Indonesian Aerospace (IAe). IAe has been trying to persuade the Indonesian government to buy Indonesian-built NC-212s instead of the Skytrucks (Flight International, 29 November–5 December 2005), which are for a navy transport and maritime surveillance requirement. PZL Meilec declines to comment.
Source: Flight International