Slovakia to bolster air defence with Israeli Barak MX systems

While the specific defence system to be acquired was not named in the official announcement, previous statements indicate that Slovakia had entered negotiations to acquire the Barak MX mobile medium-range air defence system from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The Barak MX is known for its flexibility and ability to intercept a variety of aerial threats, making it a significant upgrade from Slovakia’s current systems.

Currently, Slovakia operates the medium-range 2K12 KUB system, which has reached the end of its operational life, according to the Ministry of Defence.

In a controversial move under a previous government, Slovakia donated its ageing S-300 air defence system to Ukraine, a decision that the current administration criticised for compromising the country’s defence readiness.