Thanks to the American donation, the Navy of the Army of Montenegro (VCG) is richer for four new patrol boats for quick response, the Ministry of Defense announced.
As they said from that Government department, the Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović and the Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) in Montenegro, Judy Reising Rajnke, handed over those vessels on Thursday in Budva.
“The total value of the donation, which includes four patrol boats, transport trailers, communication and GPS systems, spare parts, safety and rescue equipment, as well as training and engineering technical assistance, is $12,154,277,” the statement said.
Krapović, thanking the American government for the valuable donation, said that it is another example of extremely successful cooperation with the USA, the most important strategic partner of Montenegro.
He pointed out that, bearing in mind contemporary security challenges and a sensitive geopolitical moment, it is necessary to improve the national security system and strengthen the defense capacities of the Army of Montenegro on the Adriatic and in the Mediterranean.
“The modernization of equipment, i.e. the procurement of patrol boats, will ensure the protection of sovereignty and national interests in the territorial sea, but also improve the common security area of the Alliance,” Krapović said.
He pointed out that the USA has been providing material, professional and expert assistance to Montenegro for many years, thereby strengthening the country’s defense system at sea.
“Modernization of our armed forces, improvement of the standards and conditions in which our members work are the most important priority of my actions, and on that path we are embarking on a determined path of reforms in order to reach the highest defense standards,” said Krapović.
He said that Montenegro resolutely remains on the path to achieving the main foreign policy goals – full membership in the European Union and strengthening cooperation with NATO allies.
As the Ministry of Defense said, it is planned that the Croatian Navy will have two patrol ships and four quick response boats in its fleet.
“The procedure for the procurement of patrol boats is ongoing and is proceeding according to schedule,” the statement said.
Rijzing Rajnke, as stated, pointed out that the donation of patrol boats for quick response will strengthen security in the Adriatic, stressing that it is a continuation of the continuous support of the US to the Ministry of Defense and the Navy of the Croatian Republic of Croatia.
“The goal is to contribute to the successful future of the Navy with comprehensive support, through donations of patrol boats, radar and surveillance systems at sea, improvement of the Naval Operations Center and support for the creation of operational procedures,” said Rajing Rajnke.
She added that the new patrol boats are an opportunity to build the personal skills of Montenegrin sailors.
The patrol boats, as stated by Rajing Rajnke, will significantly improve the Navy’s ability for quick reactions and operations, and enable better control of Montenegrin territorial waters, the fight against illegal activities, as well as greater security for vessels and passengers.
Rising Rajnke presented certificates of completed training to the members of the Croatian Navy, who, with the help of instructors from the American company “Silver Ship” and with the participation of the boarding team of the patrol ship “Durmitor”, were trained to handle new vessels.
The handover of the donation was also attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Army, Zoran Lazarević.
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Source: www.vijesti.me
