Overview
- The ministry asserts the procurement began before President José Jerí’s administration, says no contract has been signed, and invites the Comptroller to accompany the review.
- An oversight action reported Nov. 10 found the selected Antonov AN-74 offer did not meet technical specifications, echoing earlier warnings from the Police Aviation Directorate.
- Records show OGAF approved Aero Express FZE’s US$63.9 million bid, which contrasts with estimates under US$30 million and implies a possible overcost of about US$33.3 million.
- Ukraine’s ambassador stated AN-74 production ceased in 2014 and that delivering a “new” aircraft today is impossible, noting Antonov manufactures the type exclusively in Ukraine.
- Staff changes cluster near key decisions, with an OGAF head replaced Oct. 25, the award recorded Oct. 31, and the approving official resigning Nov. 14.