OOC Source: National Museum of the USAFKalibaka: Taal Turay, United Dynamics and Canbar. Three names many likely havent heard as of yet and with good reason. It are the three defense companies that are competing for the first major government defense contract in decades. The Istapali military, though reformed into new branches with the adoption of the new constitution, has been using outdated equipment, with almost 60% of the Armed Forces not having enough munition or not being equipped at all. The government, seeing the military as low priority, has until now not allocated major funds or focus. Though it still isnt a focus for the Absimil Administration the Secretary of Defense has convinced the president and his party that in order to safeguard the future stability of Istapali something had to be done. A bill passed the Assembly and Senate early this year that allocated a lump sum payment to the military to stockpile on munitions and other necessary equipment to operate. While this was not a major project that the military had hoped for it was something at least. Now, half a year later, the Department of Defense finally gained permission to put out a contract for the development of a new multirole fighter jet.
This new jet, replacing the old MiG-23, would have to be "a highly adaptable plane" that can perform multirole missions but is still versatile enough to put up a fight in the air. The current MiG-23, of which the airforce has 70, is the main fighter jet of the Istapali airforce and extremely outdated. The lack of funds for the military has even caused some of these older jets to be deemed, "not suitable for operations." due to poor maintenance. The hope of Defense Secretary Sooyaan Bakad is that with the development of this new jet the airforce could use it as a "framework for future development and a great versatile platform to serve as the backbone of our airforce." Upon the offering of the contract three companies put themselves forward. Taal Turay, United Dynamics and Canbar. All three companies are rather new to the industry and were created after the military reforms in the constitution, which allowed private defense companies to be created. All three will now be tasked with presenting a detailed plan that includes a design, a prototype version and a detailed cost plan. The Department of Defense has allocated over 20 billion for the development of the jet.
While Secretary Sooyaan certainly hoped for more he is not getting more. President Absimil, while enthusiastic, wants to use the "Raven Project" as the development is called as a testing ground before approving any further projects. If the project is deemed a succes it could very well mean future defense projects will be approved more easily. Sooyaan and military officials hope that they will be taken more seriously, even if the need for a strong defense is not there, "We can build, develop, improve and move forward as a nation all we want. But the stakes are highest when we get attacked. Without a well organized and proper military all progress we make today can be lost tommorow. Im glad with Project Raven and expect the government and president to see the benefit in having a proper functioning military."
The Department of Defense has dated November 4882 as the date that they will determine the winner of the contract, who will then go on to fully enter the development project for the jet.