Slovakia’s government has approved a major deal to acquire six mobile air defence systems from Israel, with a total value of €554.3 million ($616.88 million), as part of its efforts to bolster its airspace protection.
In addition to the air defence systems, the government sanctioned the purchase of over 1,300 heavy terrain vehicles in collaboration with the Czech Republic, with an anticipated cost of €708.3 million. These new 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles will replace the country’s aging truck fleet.
Slovakia, which shares a border with Ukraine, has been actively seeking to enhance its air defence capabilities amidst the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine since 2022. As a NATO member, Slovakia has been involved in strengthening the alliance’s eastern front. Defence Minister Robert Kalinak emphasised the importance of advancing defence capabilities, particularly in air defence. Last month, Slovakia received the first two of fourteen new F-16 fighter jets.
The specific air defence system to be acquired from Israel was not disclosed in the government’s announcement. Slovakia currently operates the medium-range 2K12 KUB system, which is nearing the end of its operational life cycle, according to a defence ministry document released on Wednesday.
Previously, under a different administration, Slovakia donated its outdated S-300 air defence system to Ukraine—a move that has faced criticism from the current government for diminishing Slovakia’s own air defence capabilities.