Slovenia to procure 3,000 surface-to-air missiles

The Slovenian Ministry of Defence has launched a public tender to purchase 3,000 surface-to-air missiles. This procurement is intended to replenish the existing ammunition stocks for the Slovenian Armed Forces' aviation branch.

The missiles, which have a range of 3,000 meters, will be used to provide direct fire support to ground forces of the Slovenian military and its allies. They will also be utilized for regular pilot and joint fire controller training.

Delivery is expected to occur in two phases: the first 1,500 units are slated for 2028, with the remaining 1,500 to follow in 2029. While the exact cost of the order has not been disclosed due to the ongoing public procurement process, the Ministry stated that the necessary funds are already included in the defense budget for 2028 and 2029.

The Ministry clarified that this purchase is a routine replenishment of stocks and is not directly linked to NATO commitments regarding increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP. The deadline for submitting bids was recently extended to September 2.