Slovak defence minister Jaroslav Nad’ stressed that Slovak will reacive the two MANTIS air defence systems free of charge and permanently.
Germany 🇩🇪proves to be a strong #NATO Ally. It will provide #Slovakia with 2 complete sets of #MANTIS Air Defence System to ensure security & defence of #Slovakia & @NATO Eastern flank. This support is permanent and for free. Thank you! @BMVg_Bundeswehr @Slovakia_NATO #wearenato pic.twitter.com/PZDvihJcNW
— Jaro Nad (@JaroNad) February 9, 2023
According to the announcements of German officials, the MANTIS systems will be transferred to Slovakia “in the coming months”.
MANTIS is the improved version of the Skyshield air defence systems. It was developed by the Oerlikon (now part of Rheinmetall). It fires 35 mm advanced hit efficiency and destruction (AHEAD) air burst munitions to intercept and destroy RAM rounds before they reach their targets. MANTIS was designed for protection of the ground objects against missiles, artillery projectiles, mortars, and unmanned aerial vehicles. MANTIS also can be used against aircraft and helicopters.
In the original configuration used by the German Armed Forces, each MANTIS system consists of six 35 mm guns (but the systems can be deployed with up to eight guns), two radars (with a range of up to 100 km), a command post, a maintenance console, and an operator simulator.
