Israel Finalizes €560 Million Sale of Barak MX Air Defense System to Slovakia

Israel’s Defense Ministry announced the completion of its third Barak MX air defense system sale, this time to Slovakia, for a total of 560 million euros. Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Barak MX system is a variant of Rafael's Iron Dome and is designed to counter a range of aerial threats, including shorter-range rockets, drones, cruise missiles, and some tactical ballistic missiles.

This deal adds Slovakia to the growing list of countries that have purchased the Barak MX, following earlier agreements with Cyprus and Azerbaijan. The system’s flexibility and operational success have made it an attractive option for strengthening national defense capabilities globally.

A Powerful Air Defense System

The Barak MX system is known for its advanced interception capabilities. While it is primarily designed to take down short-range rockets, it is also effective against drones, fighter jets, UAVs, cruise missiles, and surface-to-air missiles. The system boasts multiple interceptors, with operational ranges of 35, 70, and 150 km, each equipped with an active radar seeker, a dual-pulse engine, and a powerful warhead to ensure high interception performance.

However, the system’s effectiveness against long-range ballistic missiles, such as those fired from outside the atmosphere, remains unclear. Israel uses the Arrow 2 and 3 missile systems for these types of threats, offering a more robust defense against missiles that are launched from farther distances and at much higher speeds.

Strengthening Israel-Slovakia Relations

The sale of the Barak MX to Slovakia is seen as a "landmark deal" that will significantly enhance the defense ties between the two nations. According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD), the deal was brokered by the International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) and marks a key step in boosting Slovakia's defense capabilities.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of the IMOD, expressed that the deal “will further strengthen the bond between the two nations.” The signing ceremony included key figures from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), including CEO Boaz Levy and Brig. Gen. (Res.) Guy Barlev, highlighting the importance of this deal in advancing global defense cooperation.

Additionally, IAI has secured another major deal with Germany for the sale of its Arrow missile defense system, further cementing Israel’s position as a leading global defense exporter. The delivery of the Arrow system is expected to take place in 2025, signaling continued growth in Israel’s defense technology sector.

The recent surge in Israeli defense exports is largely attributed to the success of Israeli technologies on the battlefield, especially during the ongoing conflict in Israel. The Ministry spokesperson remarked that “the expansion of Israeli defense exports during the war is a direct result of Israeli technologies proving themselves on the battlefield,” with increased global interest in the performance of Israel’s combat systems.