2021/04/16
Elaboration following media reports stating that “the Air Force refused to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in technical assistance expenditure for the Patriot missile after futile negotiations”
In response to media reports that " the Air Force refused to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in technical assistance expenditure for the Patriot missile after futile negotiations," Air Force Command states today (16th) that the content of media reports deviates from the facts, and clarifies as follows:
1. Various military purchases for Patriot missiles by the Air Force are reviewed and drawn up following appropriation and according to actual needs. As such, relevant expenditures are budgeted and paid annually based on the regulations, so that the issue of payment does not arise. The entire situation in this case was conducted as per normal procedure.
2. The technical support case referred to in the report has been processed according to the submission and review operations of the Armed Forces, so that it helps sustain the operational requirements of weapon systems to ensure our air defense capabilities.
3. Regarding the payment for technical assistance of the Patriot missile, it will be carried out according to legal procedures with retrench exercised, and Command calls upon our nationals to rest assured that this is normal procedure.