Slovakia sends S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Ukraine

Europe, News April 9, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

Slovakia has sent its S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system to Ukraine, Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced on April 8. However, Heger emphasized that the delivery of the missile system did not mean that Slovakia had joined the conflict with Russia.

Slovak Prime Minister Heger posted on his Twitter account that “I can confirm that the Slovak Republic has donated the S-300 air defence system to Ukraine, following Ukraine’s request for assistance. The donation of the system does not mean that the Slovak Republic has become a part of the armed conflict in Ukraine.”

According to Heger, his country decided to provide the missile defense system to support the self-defense capabilities of Ukraine, “believing that this system will help save the lives of as many innocent Ukrainians as possible.”

Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic Jaroslav Nad said that the “Security of the Slovak Republic and our citizens is our highest priority. That is why we decided to make this decision in the moment, when we have the adequate replacement for the S-300 system, as we had stated before. Fourth battery of the Patriot system, one of the most modern air-defence systems, provided by our Allies, will be deployed in Slovakia.”

“Together, four batteries of the Patriot system will cover the territory of the Slovak Republic. Due to the technical condition, limited options of maintenance and age of the S-300 system, the deployment of the fourth battery of the Patriot system is great news for Slovakia and at the same time tremendous help for Ukraine,” he added.

*^{Three launcher of Slovak S-300PMU on 3rd National Airdays in Piešťany, Slovakia. (Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)}*

Soon after the Slovak government made the announcement, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin released a statement saying: “I salute the generosity of the Slovak government in providing an S-300 air defense system – a critical defensive capability – to Ukraine.”

“It’s a strong testament to how determined Ukraine’s neighbors are to help the Ukrainians defend themselves against Russia’s unprovoked invasion of their homeland. Of course, the United States will continue to coordinate with our Allies and partners to support the needs of the Ukrainian military and people. We also recognize Slovakia for its extraordinary humanitarian assistance efforts and for hosting thousands of Ukrainian refugees,” Austin added.

According to the U.S. Defense Secretary, he directed the U.S. European Command to reposition one Patriot missile system, manned by U.S. service members, to Slovakia, which is due to arrive in the country in the coming days.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin highlighted that the deployment of Patriot capabilities to Slovakia aligns perfectly with the United States’ previous efforts to bolster NATO’s defensive capabilities and to demonstrate collective security requirements under Article 5 of the NATO treaty.