$ 108 million will allocate Defense in national security

Ecuadornews:

The State portfolio will strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces. Cyberdefense, purchase of protective materials, boats, radars and helicopters will be some acquisitions.

A total of 28 plans and projects make up the Annual Investment Plan (PAI) of the Ministry of Defense. Oswaldo Jarrín, minister of that state portfolio, reported that $ 108 million will be allocated in important programs such as the implementation of cyberdefense, acquisition of 11 riverboats for Sucumbíos and Esmeraldas, radars, protective material (helmets and vests).

As well as the purchase of small-caliber ammunition and 6 twin-engine helicopters for aeronautical search and rescue operations and 9 maritime patrol units. Jarrin indicated that these acquisitions, which are part of seven contracts, will seek to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

An investment of $ 108 million was planned, “that item is budgeted but there is a whole process that must be followed for assignments,” he said. He also explained that the allocation within the budget will require a certification, which is an approval by the National Secretariat of Planning and Development (Senplades) and the Ministry of Economy.

“It’s a long process that is meticulously reviewed,” he said. The Minister of Defense also informed that an international cooperation office will be reopened with the US Embassy. Among the advantages of this agreement, which has the backing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government, is the arrival in the country of a hospital ship with capacity for 1,300 beds and 670 medical specialists.

This ship will be one week to provide free medical attention, mainly to the inhabitants of Esmeraldas. “Our efforts are focused on the northern border, especially in Esmeraldas,” he said. However, the minister reiterated that US support It does not mean a “base” in the country. He recalled that Article 5 of the Constitution prohibits the implementation of bases of any country in Ecuador.

Jarrin said that the objective of security is not only to militarize the border, but to collaborate with service and development projects. Senplades coordinates the councils of Social Development, Economic, Production. Murder on the border Jarrin referred to the death of a woman, who allegedly would be the sister of alias “Guacho”.

He said that it is “a judicial process”, but that the body that is watched in Mataje corresponds to a murder in Colombia and not in Ecuador.

New Risk Competition

The powers of the Risk Management Secretariat will be transferred to the Ministry of Defense. Jarrin indicated that work is still going on in the transfer of powers. However, he announced that a study of the statutes will be carried out in a cabinet. (I)

Source: https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/politica/3/ffaa-ecuador-compra-armas