Slovakia to Purchase Air Defence Systems from Israel

The Slovak government has approved the purchase of six mobile air defence systems from Israel for a total of 554.3 million euros, as the NATO member state strengthens its airspace defences, the Times of Israel reports.

The Slovak government has also approved the purchase of more than 1,300 heavy trucks in a joint procurement with the Czech Republic, with an expected value of €708.3 million, to replace outdated vehicles.

This is part of NATO's efforts to strengthen the eastern flank of the military alliance.

The Slovak government has not specified what kind of air defence systems it plans to purchase from Israel under the intergovernmental agreement. Slovakia is currently armed with 2K12 KUB medium-range air defence missile systems, which have expired.

Earlier, under the previous government, Slovakia transferred its outdated S-300 air defence system to Ukraine. This was criticised by the current administration as a decision that weakens the country's air defence capabilities.

Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliniak said that defence capabilities, especially air defence, should be a priority.

Last month, Slovakia received the first 2 of 14 new F-16 fighter jets from the United States, the delivery of which was delayed for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic and a shortage of microchips.

The protection of Slovak airspace was taken over by Poland, the Czech Republic, and later Hungary, which are NATO members.