Armed Forces
Slovakia Restarts Production of Post-Soviet Munitions to Support Ukraine
Photo. mil.gov.ua
The Slovak government has approved another military aid package for Ukraine. Rastislav Kacher, the Slovak Foreign Minister announced that Slovakia will still offer practical support for Ukraine, with a new military aid package, including large calibre munitions, anti-tank weapons, warm clothing, and other equipment. The announcement was made during a joint briefing with the Ukrainian MoD, Dmytro Kuleba.
The Slovaks are restarting the 122 mm and 152 mm munitions production, to meet the demand in Ukraine. Rastislav Kacher, Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that the government is currently working on a strategy needed to launch the manufacturing of large-calibre munitions. That process would involve both state-owned, as well as private facilities. This is a part of Bratislava's support, but also a broader project coordinated by NATO.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General recently said that to meet Ukraine's needs, some of the NATO member states would restart and boost manufacturing of Soviet standard spares and munitions. Three states that have major munitions manufacturing capacity have been listed here: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It may be assumed then, that Bratislava has obtained NATO financial support for the manufacturing.
This does not change the fact that from the very start of the conflict Slovakia, as a neighbour of Ukraine, has been involved in the provision of military aid, and transfer of aid measures provided by other nations. Back in November, the Slovaks handed off 30 BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, in exchange for 14 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks from Germany, which came together with spares, and a training package.