Slovakia picks Israeli air defence radar
Government-to-government talks are under way between Slovakia and Israel to procure the Elta MMR system.
Slovakia has selected the ELM-2084 MMR solution from Israel Aerospace Industries subsidiary Elta Systems as the front-runner in a programme to replace existing air defence radar systems, under the terms of a government-to-government agreement announced on 13 January.
The Slovakian MoD described the Israeli proposal as ‘the most advantageous comprehensive offer’ with a purchase price of €148.2 million ($179.5 million). This is slightly lower than a previous Israeli offer submitted in 2019.
Rival bids from the French and UK governments exceeded the €155 million cost limit set by Slovakia.
A mixture of short-, medium- and long-range mobile 3D air defence radars (17 in all) will be provided to the Slovakian armed forces to replace 24 radars, of which all but one have exceeded their service life.
The S-band MMR system was evaluated by the NATO Communication and Information Technology Agency, which deemed it as ‘the most advantageous solution in the field of systems integration into the NATO environment’, the Slovakian MoD stated. MMR is also in use with NATO allies Czech Republic and Hungary.
One important factor in the decision was a commitment by Israel to guarantee up to €50 million of industrial investment in Slovakia. Slovakian Jaroslav Naď said: ‘We insist that the industrial partner in Slovakia is a state-owned enterprise operating in the defence industry.’
Negotiations are now in progress between the Slovakian MoD and Israeli defence export agency SIBAT. If no agreement is reached by 31 March 2021, talks will begin with the UK government.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
