Slovakia purchases air defence systems from Israel

Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kalinak has said that Slovakia purchased air defence systems from Israel to replace the S-300 missile defence system, which the country gifted to Ukraine.

"We have acquired air defence systems which will replace the S-300. The new air defence systems will protect power plants and cities. They are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles," the minister said, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The deal to purchase air defence systems from the Israeli manufacturer is nearly complete. The final version of the contract signed in October includes provisions for equipping the systems with more sensitive radars and installing missiles with a longer range than initially planned.

This upgrade will ensure effective defence against aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles. Slovakia has purchased six Barak MX air defence systems from Israel for 554 million euros, excluding VAT. Each system includes a fire control centre and three launchers, each capable of carrying eight missiles.

In August, the Slovak government approved the purchase of air defence systems from Israel. The country currently lacks effective air defence capabilities, relying on NATO allies to protect its airspace. The previous Slovak government donated an S-300 air defence system to Ukraine, a move that has been criticised by the current government of Prime Minister social democrat Robert Fico.

By Naila Huseynova