Slovakia Commits €560 Million to Purchase Israel’s Barak MX Defense System

Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday the finalization of a €560 million deal to supply Slovakia with the Barak MX air defense system. Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the system enhances Slovakia’s ability to counter a range of aerial threats, marking Israel’s third sale of the Barak MX, following deals with Cyprus and Azerbaijan.

The Barak MX system is designed to intercept short-range rockets, similar to the Iron Dome, while also targeting drones, cruise missiles, and certain tactical ballistic missiles. The system boasts operational ranges of 35, 70, and 150 kilometers, with advanced radar seekers, dual-pulse engines, and powerful warheads.

This landmark deal, orchestrated by the International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) of Israel’s Defense Ministry, highlights the growing bond between Israel and Slovakia. “The BARAK MX Integrated Air Defense System is designed to counter current and future aerial threats, including ballistic threats,” said the ministry. “Its operational success in Israel and globally underscores its reliability and effectiveness, making it a valuable addition to Slovakia’s defense infrastructure.”

The agreement was signed by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of the Defense Ministry, and other senior officials, including Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, head of SIBAT, and Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI.

The Barak MX system is versatile, capable of addressing threats from fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. While it has limitations in addressing long-range ballistic missile threats typically handled by systems like Israel’s Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 it remains a critical asset for medium-range aerial defense.

Boaz Levy emphasized the system’s appeal: “We are proud that Slovakia’s Ministry of Defense has selected the BARAK MX integrated air defense system. This decision underscores the system’s advanced technology, proven performance, and IAI’s commitment to delivering the world’s best air defense solutions.”

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Zamir attributed the deal to the global recognition of Israeli technologies: “The expansion of Israeli defense exports during the war is a direct result of Israeli technologies proving themselves on the battlefield. We're seeing increased interest from more countries in the exceptional performance of the IDF and Israeli combat systems, both defensive and offensive.”

This deal follows another major agreement involving IAI’s Arrow missile defense system, which was sold to Germany in one of Israel’s largest defense contracts to date.

Slovakia’s purchase of the Barak MX further solidifies its defense partnership with Israel and underscores the global demand for Israeli defense technologies.

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