Slovakia to receive second Barak MX air defense battery by year end

Slovakia is upgrading its air defense capabilities through the acquisition of the Israeli Barak MX system, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries. Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák confirmed that a second battery of the system is expected to arrive by the end of this year.

The Barak MX is a modular, networked air and missile defense system capable of intercepting drones, aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. The system utilizes various missile types with operational ranges of 15, 35, 70, and 150 kilometers.

This procurement aims to replace the aging Soviet-era 2K12 Kub missile systems, which have been in service since the late 1970s. The transition is critical for Slovakia to maintain medium-range air defense capabilities through 2027. Bratislava has ordered a total of six batteries, with full deliveries scheduled to continue through 2030.