Slovakia is to receive new AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters in exchange for transferring its MiG-29s to Ukraine. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
Slovakia is to receive Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States, in exchange for transferring its MiG-29 ‘Fulcrum' fighter fleet to Ukraine.
Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď made the announcement on 22 March, saying that 12 helicopters would be provided, as well as Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-surface missiles.
“Thanks to our responsible defence policy, relationship with the US, and also clear support of Ukraine, we received this offer first,” Naď said on his official Facebook page. “This offer is hugely advantageous and will significantly increase the defence potential of the Slovak Republic. We currently do not have combat helicopters, so it would be a completely new combat capability.”
Naď added that the transfer is also indirect compensation from the US government for the late delivery of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft Slovakia ordered.
The deal is valued at a little over USD1 billion, of which the Slovak government will pay USD340 million over 3–4 years, with the remainder covered by the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) scheme.
The deal will be finalised once the MiGs are handed over, along with the 2K12 ‘Kub' (NATO reporting name: SA-6 ‘Gainful') ground-based air defence systems that the Slovak government promised to Ukraine.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
