Slovakia to Boost Ukraine Support with New Aid Package and Joint Defense Projects
During the third International Defense Industry Forum (DFNC3), Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Robert Kaliňák announced his intention to strengthen Ukrainian-Slovak cooperation in the defense industry.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Interfax-Ukraine.
Robert Kaliňák initiated negotiations between representatives of both countries on specific joint projects. He confirmed his intentions by involving representatives of the Slovak defense industry in negotiations with their Ukrainian colleagues.
Kalinyak emphasized that Ukraine's defense experience is “unique and literally tested in fire” and called it a source of inspiration for partners.
In turn, the Slovak side is ready to invest and offers its capabilities in a number of sectors.
“This resilience, based on innovation, is an inspiration to us all. We, in turn, offer our capabilities in the fields of ammunition, engineering, demining, chemical detection, indirect fire, special production, and many other areas,” Kaliňák emphasized.
In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Slovakia announced the preparation of the 14th support package for Ukraine that provides for engineering and mine clearance assistance.
The memorandum on the package was signed together with Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal, and possible new projects for expanding defense cooperation between the countries were discussed.
Kaliňák emphasized the significant growth in Slovakia's capabilities since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to him, their production of artillery ammunition has increased 15-fold, and indirect fire systems have increased threefold.
He also highlighted the record performance of Ukrainian industry, in particular the production of up to 40 Bogdan self-propelled artillery systems per month.
“The way Ukrainian industry is improving is really impressive,” he added.
Robert Kaliňák also emphasized his support for Ukraine's European integration aspirations, noting this in the context of, in particular, the need to provide security guarantees.
“We all agree that Ukraine needs security guarantees, and supporting its accession to the EU is undoubtedly one of them. Slovakia fully supports this ambition, and we have offered our experience in this complex process,” he said.
Read more on The Gaze: Why the West Needs Ukraine in Its Defense Industry