LUXEMBOURG - The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has recently signed a five years follow-on contract with the German-based company Antonov Logistic SALIS GmbH to continue providing strategic airlift in support of NATO and EU operations, and urgent national missions to the nine participating nations.
The Strategic Air Lift International Solution or SALIS is a multinational programme that provides unique air transport capability (outsized cargo) to nine NATO nations (Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia). This partnership is managed by NSPA on behalf of the nations.
Through SALIS, nations obtain assured access of up to five AN-124 aircraft within few days from tasking. In addition, through the SALIS contract member nations can mobilise other aircraft types; AN-22, AN-225 and IL-76 (chapter IV).
Strategic airlift capabilities are important to ensure that NATO Allies are able to deploy their forces and equipment rapidly and wherever they are required. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SALIS has played a key role enabling NATO participating nations to airlift urgent medical equipment and respond to the crisis.
SALIS nations have used Antonov aircraft in the past to transport equipment to and from Afghanistan, deliver aid to the victims of the October 2008 earthquake in Pakistan, and airlift African Union peacekeepers in and out of Darfur. This multinational programme also proved to be a key enabler for NSPA customers during the recent evacuation of Afghanistan.
Antonov Logistic SALIS GmbH has established its base-of-operation at the Leipzig/Halle airport. The company operates aircraft of the Ukrainian based, Antonov Company.