The state of the contract of logistic support for Regele Ferdinand and Regina Maria frigates, the modernization of frigates within the 2nd stage and the offset stipulated in the Agreement of the two frigates acquisition were the main topics of the discussions held Thursday, November 15, during the meeting Minister Teodor Melescanu had in London with Baroness Ann Taylor de Bolton, State Minister for Equipment and Logistic Support of the Defense Ministry of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

As regarding the logistic support, they underlined that the negotiations for the first contract between the Navy and BAE System Fleet Solution have been ended and from the Romanian point of view the contract have to be signed by the two parts as soon as possible.

Minister Melescanu reiterated the fact that the priority for the Romanian MoD is the fact that the ships should have the necessary logistic support ever since the beginning of the next year and that is why they have to sign the contract no latter then the middle of December 2007.

As regarding the modernization of frigates, the Defense Minister underlined that there are different interpretations of the system integrator selections. The Romanian part is ready to initiate the 2nd stage of modernization and in this context, there are different international companies interested in participation in the program of modernization, stated the Romanian Defense Minister.

As regarding the achievement of the offset program by BAE Systems, stipulated in the Agreement of frigates' acquisition they admitted that the achievement in this area are very delayed and Minister Teodor Melescanu and Baroness Ann Taylor de Bolton were in favor of the idea that both two sides must intensify their efforts and set into value the opportunity of cooperation that have been identified since now.

Defense Minister, Teodor Melescanu and the military delegation officially visited London between November 14 and 16, invited by the British State Secretary for Defense, des Browne.

MoD Press Office