Slovakia approves €200 Mn purchase of air defense systems.

According to the Slovak Ministry of Defense (MoD) on October 4, 2023, the Government of the Slovak Republic gave the green light for the acquisition of new air defense systems with a total value of nearly €200 million. The procurement plan includes two primary components: the Barak MX medium-range air defense system from Israel's Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and 36 Piorun MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems) from Poland's state-owned defense company Mesko.
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Slovakia will start negotiations with the government of Israel to purchase the Barak MX medium-range mobile air defense system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) (Picture source: IAI)

The Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic will lead negotiations with the government of Poland to formalize contractual agreements for the procurement of the Piorun MANPADS. These portable air defense systems, often referred to as "Thunder" (Piorun), represent a modernized version of the GROM MANPADS, originally based on the Soviet-made 9K38 Igla (SA-18 Grail). The Piorun MANPADS features a new short-range missile with a range spanning from 400 m to 6 km and the ability to engage aerial targets at altitudes ranging from a minimum of 10 m to a maximum of 4 km. Notably, it is equipped with a proximity fuse designed to enhance its effectiveness in intercepting small-size aerial threats, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Simultaneously, negotiations will commence with the government of Israel to secure the Barak MX medium-range mobile air defense system, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Barak MX system represents an advanced air and missile defense system designed to counter multiple aerial threats from diverse sources and at various ranges. The system is adjustable, allowing customization for different missions and diverse battle conditions, whether deployed on naval vessels or on land.

The Barak MX system offers various ranges depending on the selected missile, including 35 km (medium range), 70 km (long range), and 150 km (extended range), while engaging targets at altitudes of up to 30 km. Each launcher is equipped to deploy eight missiles, and the system features a robust data link connecting the Barak Battle Management Center (BMC) with the missiles, ensuring efficient communication and coordination.

The system is able to counter a wide spectrum of threats, including fighters, sea-skimming and cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs), UAVs, helicopters, and gliding bombs. It can be deployed for various missions, including point defense, area defense, and ballistic missile defense. The system is suitable for deployment in both naval and land-based settings, whether mobile or stationary, and it supports Joint Taskforce Coordination (JTC), enhancing inter-agency cooperation.

The system components include three types of interceptors, each tailored for specific ranges and capabilities. The medium-range interceptor covers 35 km using a single-pulse rocket motor, the long-range interceptor extends to 70 km with a dual-pulse rocket motor, and the extended-range interceptor reaches 150 km with a dual pulse and a booster rocket motor, enabling it to address TBM threats. These interceptors are equipped with active high-end RF seekers optimized for low radar cross-section (RCS) targets and highly maneuvering threats. The system is integrated seamlessly with multiple IAI/ELTA land and naval AESA radars, such as the MMR, MF STAR, ALPHA, and more.

Piorun, a man-portable air-defense missile system designed and developed by the Polish company Mesko, displayed at MSPO 2022 (Picture source: Army Recognition)