The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The Independent Team
Attendance:
1. Maj. Gen. J.B. Owoyesigire
2. .Brig Samuel Turyagyenda
3. Ag. Lt Col M.K. Bisaso
4. Ag. Lt Col Geofrey Turuma
5. Vladimir Rudenko- Rosoboronexport
6. Anatly Mikityk – Rosoboronexport
7. Andrey Kotsubinsky – Rosoboronexport
8. Irina Potapova – Rosoboronexport
9. Sergy Sergeyev – Sukhoi Company
10. Valery Chistyakov – Sukhoi Company
11. Sergy Zaitsev – Sukhoi Company
12. Boris Ronkin -: Sukhoi Company
13. Capt J.M. Niwamanya
Agenda:
1. Communication fm the Chair.
2. Missiles, Armament and Ground Support Requirement
3. Training Requirements.
4. A.O.B.
Item 1. Communication from the chair: The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1030 hours by welcoming the Russian delegation to UPD Air Force (UPDAF) Headquarters. He started by introducing the UPDAF officers present to the Russian delegation. He informed the members that for the past two weeks, he had been having discussions with the Russian delegation and were now almost at the final stage.
1. He observed that the Russian delegation was in the country to finalise the discussions in regard to delivery of SU-30MK aircraft. He noted that Ministry of Defence was to procure 8 pieces and that 2 pieces would be delivered by June 2011, two more pieces be delivered by November 2011 while the balance would be delivered in 2012.
2. He noted that the major aim for the meeting was therefore to agree on the final position before the contract can be signed.
Item 2. Missiles, armament and ground support requirements
The Chairman noted that due to lack of adequate funds, there was a need to reduce on the missiles and armament proposed so as to reduce the contractual cost.
Head of the Russian delegation, however, noted that all the missiles and armament proposed were meant for normal operations and any reduction may for instance make the pilots fail to train on such missiles. He further informed the members that ground support equipment proposed were just one set that would be used for all the eight aircraft.
A concern was raised as to the lifespan of the missiles to which the Head of the Russian delegation informed the members that the shelf life of the proposed guided missiles was eight years. He however noted that after 8 years, they would send an expert to inspect any missiles that are not yet used with a view to extending their shelf life further.
After thorough deliberations, it was resolved that the missiles proposed be reduced by half, observing that the balance would be procured after the first delivery is exhausted so as to reduce the risks of the missiles expiring before they are used. It was also resolved that the proposed quantities for OFAB should be reduced by half.
The Russian delegation was informed that UPDF Air Force required a fuel bowzer that refuels from the bottom (pressurizedas opposed to the one that refuels from the top (gravity). It was noted that this was a result of the current demands by the companies supplying fuel to UPDAF who only want fuel bowsers that fuel from the top. The Russian delegation informed the members that their fuel bowsers have the capability to refuel from the top and as well as from the bottom.
Item 3. Training Requirements
1.It was noted that the draft contract proposed the training of 20 pilots with no less than 500 flight hours and 77 technicianswith almost the same experience. It was however resolved that the pilots to be trained should be reduced to 16 and technicians be increased to 80. The draft further proposed that the trainees would undergo an average 5 months theoretical training and 6-8 months practical training in Uganda. It was however noted that the pilots available do not have the required 500 flight hours and therefore their training ought to be more comprehensive and to take a little longer time than suggested.
- It was resolved that the training be conducted in two phases, the first phase consisting of 8 pilots and 40 technicians should commence immediately, and the second phase comprising of the same number to be trained immediately after the completion the first phase.
- The Russian delegation observed that in case UPDF Air Force does not have pilots and technicians with relevant experience for training in the second phase, they were in position to adjust and conduct training of fresh airmen to professional level. It was therefore resolved that in an event that there would be no experienced pilots and technicians for training in the second phase, fresh airmen with no aviation training qualifications shall be nominated for the course.
- Specification requirements to installing SU-30MK2 simulator training and DCAF requirements for SU-30MK2 simulator classroom were given to the UPDAF Director of Engineering to study the structural requirements of the simulator as well as specifications for the classroom and raise issues of concern, if any. Also, the training programme was handed over to the DCAF (deputy air force commander) for perusal and to make observations, if any.
Item 4. Any Other Business
1. The Russian delegation required to know how soon the contract would be ready for signing. They were informed that the LO-MOD was drafting the contract but that it has to be approved by the End User (Air Force), Solicitor General and back to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence before it is finally signed. The Chairman however noted that should it be necessary that the President first peruses through the draft contract, it might take a little more time. He therefore called upon them to be a bit patient since the contract may take some time before it is eventually signed.
2. In his closing remarks, the Chairman informed the Russian delegation that a meeting with Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence scheduled for 12 March 2010 would discuss, among other issues, the simulator room, classroom and training programme.
3. The meeting was adjourned at 1345 hours.
Capt. J.M. Niwamanya
Secretary
