Slovakia signed an agreement on August 27, 2022, under which NATO members, the Czech Republic and Poland will patrol its skies as Bratislava decommissions Soviet MiG-29s, potentially freeing up those jets for deployment to Ukraine.
Source: Defence Minister of Slovakia Jaroslav Nad
“There is a political will, and it makes sense, to help those who need help. The possibility is on the table, and once there is an agreement we will inform you.”
Slovakia has already transferred to Ukraine the S-300 air defence system, military helicopters of the Mi series, self-propelled howitzers and “Grad” rocket launchers. This week it said it would send 30 tracked infantry fighting vehicles.
Slovak Defence Minister, who valued the MiGs at about 300 million euros ($299 million), has said Slovakia would seek some financial or material compensation for its donations to support the modernization of its military.
Uaposition memo: Under an agreement with Slovakia’s neighbors, the Czech Republic and Poland will protect its skies from September while Slovakia awaits delivery of 14 new US-made F-16 fighter jets. The F-16 deal was signed in 2018, and the planes are due to be delivered in 2024.
See also: Slovakia will provide Ukraine with 30 infantry combat vehicles