G2G Agreement on new Israeli 3D Air Defence Radar Systems for Slovakia is almost complete and is expected to be signed still this month

The contract for the purchase of new Israeli 3D Medium (M), Short (S) and Very Short (VS) Range Air Defence Radar Systems which the SVK MOD is planning to procure for the SVK Armed Forces on the basis of a Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the State of Israel is 99% complete, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď confirmed during his official visit to Israel today (11 March 2021).

Speaking after a bilateral meeting with Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Defence Minister Benjamin Gantz at the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD), Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Thanks to the intense work being carried on by the Ministry of Defence and its effective negotiations with officials of the State of Israel on the final wording of this Agreement, we are counting on signing the Agreement still this month in Slovakia. For the time being, the Agreement is expected to be signed on 26 March 2021.”

Giving further details on the deal, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “I am immensely pleased that the SVK defence industry's 30% stake in the procurement project will be incorporated into the Agreement, just as we announced earlier. Here one can see the difference between empty promises and genuine support which will be anchored in the binding document.”

In his meeting with Israeli Defence Minister Benjamin Gantz, Mr Naď expressed his appreciation for the excellent SVK-ISR ties in the field of security and defence. The two leaders discussed deepening the areas of cooperation where their interests converge to include defence industry and cyber security, for example. They used the occasion to share their insights into the containment phase of the COVID-19 response in both countries. The Israeli Defence Minister was informed about the SVK Armed Forces' essential role in combating the spread of coronavirus.

The head of the SVK MOD traveled to Israel to support the ongoing negotiations on the procurement of 17 pieces of Israeli 3D AD Radar Systems. As part of his schedule of engagements in Israel, Defence Minister Naď received a tour of local Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) companies. In line with the SVK Government-issued mandate, he held talks on the delivery of the Radar Systems for the Total Agreement Price of €148,2 million, VAT included. Having considered all Government proposals, the Israeli Government offer has been evaluated as the most advantageous one, whilst demonstrating full compliance with the technical and operational requirements of the SVK Armed Forces.