Slovakia has donated an S-300 air defence system to Ukraine Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger confirmed on 8 April. Videos posted on Twitter show an S-300PMU battery being transported on a train in Slovakia.
The video shows the transportation of an S-300PMU battery along with 5V55R missiles, 5T58-2 missile transporters, 5P85DU transporter erector launcher (TEL), and 2 40V6M mobile masts (Low Altitude Acquisition Radar).
Speaking online Eduard Heger said: “I can confirm that the Slovak Republic, following Ukraine’s request for assistance in ensuring self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, as a direct consequence of armed aggression by the Russian Federation, has donated an S-300 air defense system to Ukraine.”
Following the announcement US President Joe Biden has stated that the US will reposition a Patriot air defence system to Slovakia.
In a press release, the Slovak Ministry of Defence stated: “This decision represents a responsible reaction of the Slovak Republic that is supporting peace, freedom and protection of the human rights. Assistance provided by the Slovak Republic is solely of defensive nature in order to support self-defence capabilities of Ukraine and protection of innocent lives from further aggression by the Putin’s regime.
Providing the S-300 system to Ukraine does not mean that the Slovak Republic has become a part of the military conflict in Ukraine. Self-defence capabilities of the Slovak Republic are secured and will be strengthened by the fourth battery of the Patriot System that will arrive to Slovakia within the next week and will be deployed on the territory of the Slovak Republic as long as necessary.”
Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “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.”
