Slovakia intends to buy four mobile air defense systems from Israel, with the estimated price slightly exceeding 554 million euros, according to documents approved today by the government in Bratislava, Slovak news agency TASR reported, citing from BTA.
The Ministry of Defense is expected to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Israel by the end of October. According to the documents, the offer for Israeli mobile systems is the most advantageous from an economic and technical point of view, as well as in terms of timing.
The government has not specified exactly what air defense systems will be purchased from Israel.
The ministry claims that if the situation with the defense of Slovakia's airspace does not improve, by 2027 the country may lose its remaining capabilities to defend it.
At the same time, the government has also approved the acquisition of more than 1,300 six- and eight-wheel off-road vehicles, part of a joint purchase with the Czech Republic, at an estimated cost of €708.3 million, to replace aging trucks that are in service, reported Reuters.
This is part of NATO's efforts to strengthen its eastern flank. Slovakia's Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak said the country should prioritize its defense capabilities, especially air defense.
Last month, Slovakia received the first two of a total of 14 new US F-16 fighter jets.
Slovakia also uses the medium-range 2K12 “Kub” system, which is nearing the end of its service life, the Ministry of Defense announced.
Under a previous government, Slovakia provided Ukraine with its S-300 air defense systems – a decision criticized by the current administration, which claims it has weakened the country's ability to defend itself.