Originally Posted by Karl Agathon
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First 1000 assault rifles should be delivered in 2009
MoD Croatia, 14.05.2009
Minister of Defence Branko Vukelic held May 12, a conference for the media, were also the projects of equipping and modernization of the armed forces were presented.
Together with the Minister of Defence, the conference was also attended by the Chief of General Staff of Croatian Armed Forces General Josip Lucic, MOD State Secretary Mate Raboteg, Director of the MOD Material Resources Directorate Darko Polanec, Chief of the CAF GS Logistics Directorate Major General Josip Stojkovic and Director of the MOD Development, Equipping and Modernization Department Brigadier General Milan Knezevic.
In his introductory address, Minister Vukelic referred to strategic projects, equipping and modernization of the CAF, as well as on capital projects, stressing that reducing the budget of the Defence Ministry for 579 million kunas none of these projects were endangered.
"The goal was to retain all strategic projects, equipping and modernization of the CAF. We have succeeded in our plan, we will realize them all, but in a smaller volume and in longer period", Minister Vukelic said.
Director of Material Resources Directorate Darko Polanec presented the activities of the project development of assault rifle VHS NATO calibre 5.56 x45 mm, a joint project of HS Produkt, and Ministry of Defence, with special emphasis on the testing phase, where the safety, reliability and accuracy of use was confirmed.
Factory tests were made in one month period, and tests were performed professionally by the Commission of Ministry of Defence and the Commission of HS Produkt according to NATO directives. Accuracy and precision, constancy in extreme conditions (extreme temperatures) and similar factors were tested.
"The first phase of assault rifle project development was completed, where the second phase will begin with the production of assault rifles for the purpose of equipping the Croatian Armed Forces. It is planned that the first 1000 assault rifles should be delivered in 2009", Director Polanec said.
Chief of Logistics Directorate Major General Josip Stojkovic talked about the project of equipping the troops and the new combat uniform, emphasizing that the first delivery of new combat uniform is expected by the Armed Forces Day in May, and by the end of this year 8400 sets would be delivered.
"For two years the whole armed forces will be equipped with the new combat uniform", General Stojkovic said. He also referred to the current construction projects and reconstruction of capital buildings in 2009, emphasizing that all the projects continue, but with the reduced dynamics.
General Stojkovic also presented the project of "Petrinja" Barracks, "Potkop" warehouse in Trbounj for battle material, and constructing and renovating of buildings on the military installations in Gasinci and Slunj.
The General emphasized that during the construction of new barracks they would pay attention on as better standard of life of soldiers and NCOs, and that the barracks should be completed by the end of the year.
