According to the decision the Minister of Defence will start Government-to-Government negotiations at the result of which the number of vessels, concrete financial aspects and delivery conditions will be determined.
According to the defense forces\' development plan the budget of replacing existing outdated vessels by Sandown class mine hunters will be around 800 million crowns (EUR 51 mln).
The mine countermeasures vessels currently in use in the Estonian Navy are more than 40 years old and prevent the Navy from achieving the capability objectives set out in the defense forces\' development plan for the period until 2010.
In addition to domestic mine countermeasures capabilities the new mine hunters guarantee extra capabilities for participating in NATO led activities.
The tender for acquiring mine hunters has been conducted in close co-operation with the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff The preparation for the tender has lasted for three years during which the expert made thorough investigation of the market.