The different aspects of NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability were positively acknowledged, with special attention paid to the ‘C-17 project’ (a joint NATO aircraft procurement, by which NATO plans to acquire between 3 and 4 C-17s - the Globemaster III type transport aircraft - in the coming years) to which Estonia has also consented.
According to the Minister of Defence, Mr. Ligi, “Strategic airlift-related co-operation is a fine example of how it is possible to work together while at the same time avoiding the critical setbacks which have occurred in international operations. This kind of co-operation helps NATO members, including Estonia, to develop capabilities otherwise unattainable for us”.
At the end of the unofficial meeting, the NATO-Russia Council’s official meeting was held.
Mr. Ligi, Minister of Defence, will arrive back from Slovenia this evening.