L-R: Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš and Chief of Staff of Slovak Armed Forces Lieutnant-General Milan Maxim during an unplanned visit to the Training Battalion in Martin, August 8, 2016. (source: SITA)
Ten countries have shown an interest in delivering 3D radar systems to Slovakia, the Defence Ministry wrote on its website.
It plans to spend €156 million on the new airspace surveillance system for Slovakia's Air Force of the Armed Forces. In total, the ministry wants to purchase 17 3D radars.
After an expert group, comprising of the representatives of the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces, reviews all 10 proposals, the best offer is expected to be submitted to the Slovak government by June 30, 2019.
10 countries
France, the Netherlands, Israel, Poland, Hungary, the USA, Italy, Turkey, Spain, and the United Kingdom have all submitted their proposals.
For instance, the UK has offered to deliver four Commander SL and six Giraffe AMB radars in partnership with British defence company BAE Systems and Swedish company Saab.
"This radar system used by the British Royal Air Force would safeguard the skies over the Slovak republic," said British Ambassador Andy Garth, as quoted in a press release.
Slovakia's Defence Ministry will purchase new 3D radars on the basis of the government-to-government procurement.
This means that Slovakia will purchase the radars via the government in the country of a given producer by 2025, said Danka Capáková, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry.
