Slovakia to arm Ukraine with 30 combat vehicles in exchange for 15 German tanks

Europe, News August 27, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

Slovakia would deliver Ukraine 30 BVP-1 tracked infantry fighting vehicles to fight Russian troops, in exchange for 15 German Leopard 2 tanks, Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad announced.

Slovak Defense Minister Nad held a meeting with German Defence Ministry State Secretary Benedikt Zimmer in the capital city of Bratislava on August 23. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to further intensify cooperation in the arms sector and the weapons-exchange process.

Nad stated after his meeting with Zimmer that “I am very glad that Slovakia will be able to donate 30 BVP-1 vehicles and get from Germany 15 Leopard 2-A4 tanks.”

According to German officials, the tank package for Slovakia would also include ammunition, complex training, and spare parts, and the first batch of Leopard 2 tanks are expected to arrive in Slovakia later this year.

After Germany and Slovakia signed a letter of intent, under which Germany would provide Slovakia with 15 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks, training, and logistic package, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht stated that swapping weapons with other European states is “essential for Ukraine’s fight for survival.”

The German defense minister also said in a statement that “I am very happy that, with today’s German-Slovak agreement, we are making progress when it comes to swap deals.” Defense Minister Lambrecht also highlighted that Ukrainian troops are familiar with operating BVP-1 vehicles and “Slovakia will give infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine as soon as possible.”

*^{Slovak Armed Forces BPsVI and BVP-M infantry fighting vehicles. (Image Credit: MinisterstvoObrany/via DefenseBlog)}*

Slovak Defense Minister Nad also applauded the agreement between the two countries as he believed that German-made Leopards are effective tanks that would support Slovakia’s Armed Forces. “Those tanks [Leopards] have significant value. It is a major investment by Germany in strengthening our defense,” Nad stressed.

Earlier on August 13, the Slovak Ministry of Defense announced that Ukraine has received four of the eight Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers from Slovakia. “Slovakia is helping to protect innocent Ukrainian lives! Happy to confirm that the first 4 Zuzana Howitzers are in the hands of Ukrainian armed forces, ready to be deployed in defence against the Russian aggressors,” the Slovak defense minister posted on his Twitter.

In addition to the Zuzana 2 howitzers, Ukraine also received an S-300 air defense system, Grad multiple-rocket launcher rockets, and Mi-series military helicopters.