At the very end of this year, the Slovak Ministry of Defence informs about new developments in the field of modernisation of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (AF SR). The Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák recently announced the purchase of 12 UH-60 Black Hawk multi-purpose helicopters and confirmed that Slovakia will also acquire six Barak MX air defence systems from Israel. After the upgrade, the radars will also be able to intercept ballistic missiles flying at lower altitudes.

At a press conference a few days ago, Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák took stock of this year in his ministry. In the course of his speech he also commented on the topic of the acquisition of additional helicopters for the Slovak Air Force. According to the Minister himself, Slovakia has received two offers from the United States to expand its helicopter fleet. The first offer was for 12 modernised UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters worth EUR 150 million, and the second was for 12 new Viper helicopters in full armament, for which Slovakia would pay EUR 550 million. Defence decided to prioritise the offer for the Black Hawk helicopters.

The Defence Ministry, led by Minister Robert Kaliňák, argues that the offer to buy 12 Black Hawks is more advantageous for Slovakia. Before Slovakia receives these helicopters, they will be modernised, including the replacement of the cockpit and adaptation for combat use of these machines. It will also be necessary to purchase munitions for these helicopters, which could include Hellfire missiles. According to Minister Kaliňák, despite the integration of all weapons systems for these helicopters, ammunition and the possible addition of an active protection system, the final price for the 12 Black Hawks should not exceed half the price of the Viper helicopters. Another argument of the Ministry of Defence is that Slovakia already has 9 UH-60 helicopters in its arsenal. The defence ministry also counts on the fact that additional Black Hawks could be used for evacuation of people or assistance in fire fighting. The opposition, on the other hand, criticises the decision to acquire 12 older Black Hawks, as according to the opposition, these machines are not originally intended to support ground forces and combat in general. 

In addition to helicopters, Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák also commented on the shift in the acquisition of new air defence systems. The decision to acquire the Israeli-made Barak MX sets in 2023 was recommended by the previous leadership of the ministry, claiming that it was the best offer. In total, four bids were considered - in addition to the Barak MX system, another Israeli Spyder kit, which was chosen by the Czech Republic, as well as the German IRIS-T system and the French VL-MICA. The new air defence systems are intended to create a defence umbrella over Slovakia and replace the S-300 system that was donated to Ukraine.

As the Minister of Defence stated on 17 December in a discussion programme on the TA3 news television channel, Slovakia has paid the initial part of the contract for the purchase of up to six Barak MX sets. The deal also includes an upgrade of six radar systems that will be able to intercept ballistic missiles, even at lower altitudes. According to Minister Kaliňák, the importance of this step lies in the fact that due to the rugged terrain, 100% of Slovakia's territory is covered at altitudes above 3 000 metres. However, modern technology allows ballistic missiles to fly at lower altitudes, so it is essential that radars have the ability to intercept these low-flying targets. The armament of the six Barak MXs will consist of missiles with an extended range of up to 150 kilometres.

Video: How the Barak MX air and missile defence system works / YouTube

Each Barak MX system consists of a fire control centre and three launchers, each capable of firing up to eight missiles. According to the Minister of Defence, an option for two more sets can be exercised in the future. The Barak MX systems will be used to protect military units and facilities as well as key elements of civilian and critical infrastructure. Just before Christmas, the Israeli Ministry of Defence agreed to sell six Barak MX systems to Slovakia for around €560 million. Historically, this is the largest armaments contract between the two countries.