Israel signs €560 million air defence deal with Slovakia

Israel’s Defence Ministry has signed a €560 million deal to supply Slovakia with the Barak MX air defence system, marking the largest defence export agreement between the two countries, the ministry said.

The Barak MX, developed by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is designed to counter a variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

Barak MX system serves as a versatile solution to intercept aerial threats ranging from short-range rockets to drones, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. It builds on Israel’s legacy of advanced missile defence technologies, complementing systems like the Iron Dome, which specializes in neutralizing smaller rockets, and the Arrow 2 and 3 systems, which target long-range ballistic missiles.

According to the IMOD, the Barak MX features three types of interceptors with operational ranges of 35 km, 70 km, and 150 km. Each interceptor is equipped with advanced technology, including an active radar seeker, a dual-pulse engine, and a powerful warhead, enabling it to tackle a wide spectrum of threats with high precision.

The system has proven its effectiveness in Israel and international deployments, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable defence solution. IMOD officials emphasized the system's adaptability to counter threats from various platforms, including fighter jets, UAVs, helicopters, and surface-to-air missiles.

The deal was formalized by senior defence officials, including Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of IMOD; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, head of SIBAT (IMOD's International Defence Cooperation Directorate); and Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI. Highlighting the significance of the agreement, the ministry noted its potential to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance Slovakia’s defence infrastructure.

“The BARAK MX Integrated Air Defence System is designed to counter current and future aerial threats, including ballistic threats. Its operational success in Israel and globally underscores its reliability and effectiveness, making it a valuable addition to Slovakia's defence infrastructure,” said the ministry.

This agreement comes amid heightened focus on defence readiness worldwide, as nations seek advanced technologies to safeguard their borders and critical infrastructure from evolving security threats.

By Aghakazim Guliyev