Slovakia sending Ukraine 30 BMP-1 IFVs, getting Leopard tanks from Germany instead

The Minister of Defense of Slovakia, Yaroslav Nad, stated that his country will hand over 30 BVP-1 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine.

He said this during the signing of the defense agreement with Germany. The transferred equipment will be from the so-called mobilization stocks. This includes BMP-1s that are no longer used by the Slovak army.

When deliveries of armored vehicles to Ukraine will begin is not specified for security reasons, but it may take weeks. The final transfer will be announced only after these vehicles reach Ukraine.

Instead, Slovakia will receive 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany. Along with the equipment, spare parts will arrive, and personnel will be trained.

Slovakia will receive the first Leopard this year, the rest of the tanks are expected next year.

The Leopard 2A4 tanks for Slovakia will be upgraded. The Minister of Defense reported that the cost of the equipment that will be transferred to the country is more than €100 million.

Regarding the transfer of T-72 tanks to Ukraine, Yaroslav Nad said that such a delivery is not planned.

“At the moment, we are not considering sending T-72 tanks to Ukraine,” Nad stated.

As previously reported, Ukraine received four Zuzana 2 self-propelled guns from Slovakia. The first four artillery systems are already at the disposal of the Ukrainian military. In June, Ukraine and Slovakia signed a contract for the supply of eight 155mm Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers.

Ukraine closely cooperates with Slovakia in providing military assistance. In particular, the country wants to transfer MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine for €300 million in the fall.

In addition, Slovak defense enterprises are ready to upgrade and repair Ukrainian equipment.

Also, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country has repeatedly transferred equipment and ammunition to Ukraine.