Slovakia to purchase Israel's Barak MX air defense system for €560 million

Israel finalized its third sale of the Barak MX air defense system, this time to Slovakia, for €560 million, the Defense Ministry announced.

This sale of the Israel Aerospace Industries manufactured system, which is a variant of Rafael’s Iron Dome, can now be added to previous deals with Cyprus and Azerbaijan.

Generally speaking, the Barak MX system is for shooting down shorter-range rockets, similar to the Iron Dome, but the ministry said it could also shoot down drones, cruise missiles, and at least some category of tactical ballistic missiles, though it was unclear what its utility would be against the full range of ballistic missile threats.

The Iron Dome has virtually no capability to shoot down ballistic missiles, which are usually fired from much farther away than smaller rockets, often entering the Earth’s atmosphere before returning downward at much faster speeds and packing a much larger explosive.

Generally, Israel uses the Arrow 2 and 3 missile systems to shoot down ballistic missiles, given that they can strike such missiles at greater heights and distances away from Israel to have a better chance of avoiding shrapnel falling within the home front.

A 'landmark deal" to strengthen ties between Israel and Slovakia

According to the ministry, “This landmark deal, orchestrated by the International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the Israel Ministry of Defense (SIBAT), will further strengthen the bond between the two nations and enhance Slovakia’s defense capabilities.”

Director-general of IMOD Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir signed the deal along with the head of SIBAT Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas; CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, Boaz Levy; and executive VP of Systems, Missiles, and Space Group at IAI Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Guy Barlev.

The ministry said, “The Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System is designed to counter current and future aerial threats, including ballistic threats. Its operational success in Israel and globally underscores its reliability and effectiveness, making it a valuable addition to Slovakia’s defense infrastructure.

“The system is known for its flexible capability to counter threats from various sources, including fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. With three interceptors for operational ranges of 35, 70, and 150 km, each equipped with an active radar seeker, dual-pulse engine, and powerful warhead, the system delivers unparalleled interception performance against a wide range of threats.”

A ministry spokesperson was unable to address how the system could shoot down ballistic missiles safely from the home front if its maximum range is a mere 150 km.

Zamir said, “The expansion of Israeli defense exports during the war is a direct result of Israeli technologies proving themselves on the battlefield. We’re seeing increased interest from more countries in the exceptional performance of the IDF and Israeli combat systems, both defensive and offensive.

Levy stated, “We are proud that Slovakia’s Defense Ministry has selected the Barak MX integrated air defense system. This decision underscores the system’s advanced technology, proven performance, and the IAI’s commitment to delivering the world’s best air defense solutions.”

The IAI also sold its Arrow missile defense system to Germany in one of the largest Israeli defense deals ever, with potential delivery set for 2025.