Slovakia has taken delivery of its first Barak MX air and missile defense system, marking the initial milestone of a deal signed in December 2024.
According to Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák, the first battery has been installed at a classified location near vital energy assets. He noted that the deployment area lies at an “intersection between our nuclear power plants,” suggesting a defensive focus on sites such as Jaslovské Bohunice and Mochovce.
Post-deployment, the system will undergo a phased integration into Slovakia’s armed forces, supported by Israeli experts. Personnel have already completed foundational training, with further skill development planned during the transition phase.
The contract with Israel Aerospace Industries, worth 560 million euros ($658.9 million), includes the delivery of up to six batteries, all expected to be operational by the end of the decade.
The first unit was originally slated for delivery between late 2025 and early 2026, but the schedule was delayed due to technical issues and broader disruptions linked in part to tensions involving Iran.
Designed for multi-layered air defense, the Barak MX can engage diverse aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, at ranges reaching 150 kilometers (93 miles).
The system is currently deployed on Israel’s Sa’ar-class naval vessels and is integrated into the Israeli Air Force’s wider air defense architecture.
