Under the 560 million euro agreement signed in 2024, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), through its Defense Export Directorate (SIBAT), together with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), announced today the delivery of the BARAK MX air-defense system to the Slovak Air Force.

This delivery, which was completed ahead of schedule and includes training and operational readiness, marks a significant enhancement in Slovakia’s ability to defend its airspace against the full spectrum of modern aerial threats, from UAVs and fighter aircraft to cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, while further reinforcing NATO’s collective security architecture. It reflects growing global demand for advanced, reliable, and rapidly deployable solutions, and includes meaningful collaboration with the Slovak industry, driving local production, technology transfer, and economic growth.

The BARAK MX is a multi-layered air-defense system engineered for land, naval, and mobile deployment. Its three advanced interceptors, with ranges of 35 km, 70 km, and 150 km, feature advanced warheads, enabling precise, simultaneous interception of multiple threats in complex operational environments. At the core of the system is an advanced integration of multi-mission radars (MMRs) that provides detection, classification, and tracking capabilities.

Israel Defense Minister, Israel Katz: “The delivery of this system is a further demonstration of the strength of Israel’s defense industry and our ability to provide our allies with advanced solutions to a wide range of threats. The recent war has proven beyond any doubt the effectiveness of Israeli systems on the battlefield – driving a significant surge in global demand for our defense solutions.

This system will meaningfully strengthen Slovakia’s defense capabilities – and we are already seeing growing interest from additional countries, with further significant agreements expected to be signed in the near future. This agreement is not only a defense achievement – it is also an engine for industrial cooperation, knowledge transfer, and the cultivation of local production capabilities, deepening the bonds between our nations and reinforcing Israel’s standing as a key partner on the international stage.”

IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “The delivery of the BARAK MX to Slovakia is a testament to the depth of the strategic relationship between our two countries. Israeli defense exports are a central tool for the IDF’s force build-up, policy shaping, and strengthening our economy and industry. The integration of these capabilities in Europe, in full alignment with NATO standards, underscores the operational superiority of Israel’s defense industry and will support us in advancing further agreements.”

Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Robert Kaliňák: “The first battery of the BARAK MX system has already been deployed at an undisclosed location. The system is currently being brought into operation, with full operational readiness expected in the coming weeks. This process also includes the ongoing training of Slovak soldiers and the arrival of foreign experts. Additional components of this system are arriving and will continue to arrive throughout the year.”

IAI CEO and President, Boaz Levy: “When the Slovak Ministry of Defense decided to choose the BARAK MX integrated air-defense system, it was an expression of confidence in the system’s advanced technological superiority. Since the agreement was signed, close cooperation with our Slovak partners has enabled rapid adaptation to operational requirements, resulting in delivery and training completion on schedule. After completing a long series of theoretical and practical training sessions for the soldiers of the Slovak Armed Forces who will operate the system, I am confident that the Slovak Army will soon be deploying the BARAK MX to ensure protection of the country’s skies from a variety of threats.”

Director of SIBAT, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas: “This delivery underscores the strength of Israel’s defense export capabilities and our commitment to supporting allied nations. The cooperation with Slovakia demonstrates how advanced Israeli technologies, combined with close partnership and industrial collaboration, can deliver operational excellence in accelerated timelines while contributing to regional and alliance-wide security. We are confident this cooperation will continue to evolve.”

Ariella Steinreich

Executive Vice President & Head of the Middle East | Steinreich Communications