Slovakia starts manufacturing military drones at home

Slovakia has launched the first phase of domestic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities, Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák announced.

“The first stage of the production of [our own] UAVs has begun in Slovakia,” Kaliňák was quoted as saying by the Slovak newspaper Pravda.

According to the minister, the initial phase of production is focused on drones intended for airspace surveillance and patrol missions, as well as First Person View (FPV) drones.

Kaliňák said Slovakia intends to expand its domestic defence industry capabilities in the coming years with the goal of producing all categories of UAVs. The country is also working on the development of air defence systems designed to detect and neutralize hostile drones.

The minister noted that Slovakia is cooperating closely with Poland in the field of airspace security and aerial defence.

The announcement forms part of a broader effort to accelerate the modernization of the Slovak Armed Forces. Kaliňák has advocated speeding up the military’s rearmament program and enhancing defence readiness.

Among the measures under consideration is the early delivery of several dozen Finnish-made Patria AMV XP armored personnel carriers with an 8x8 wheel configuration. The vehicles are expected to arrive ahead of the schedule outlined in the existing procurement contract.

By Vafa Guliyeva