Slovakia okays purchase of six air defense batteries from Israel

Slovakia’s government has approved plans to buy six mobile air defense systems from Israel for 554.3 million euros ($616.88 million), it says on its website, as the NATO member state strengthens protection of its airspace.

The government also approves the purchase of more than 1,300 6×6 and 8×8 heavy terrain vehicles in a joint acquisition with the Czech Republic, at an expected cost of 708.3 million euros, which will replace ageing trucks.

The government does not name the defense system to be bought from Israel in a government-to-government deal. In October, it said it would enter negotiations to purchase a single BARAK MX mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile system from Israel.

Slovakia operates the medium-range 2K12 KUB system, which was at the end of its life cycle, the defense ministry says in a document.

Under a previous government, Slovakia donated its ageing S-300 air defense system to Ukraine, a decision criticized by the current administration for lowering the country’s air defense capabilities.

Slovakia had also expressed interest in acquiring Patriot air defense systems. Israel recently announced it would be mothballing its Patriots.

Slovakia, whose neighbor Ukraine has fought against a Russian invasion since 2022, has been part of NATO efforts to bolster the military alliance’s eastern flank. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak has said priorities should be on defense capabilities, especially air defense.