According to Kaliňák, the military equipment was requested by the armed forces as part of plans to strengthen the capabilities of artillery, which include accurate strikes at longer distances.
Kaliňák stated that the approval of the US Congress, which was requested by the US government, was necessary to open negotiations. Consent was granted and now the process is to move to the formal level of interdepartmental consultations.
According to the minister, the negotiations are only at the beginning and more detailed parameters – including the number of systems, type of ammunition or exact prices – are not yet known. The details could become clearer in the summer, the minister estimates that in the horizon of four to five months, the talks could reach a “more serious” phase, when the specific form of the contract will begin to take shape.
The US State Department and Lockheed Martin, which manufactures HIMARS systems and F-16 fighters, are to be involved in the negotiations.
According to Kaliňák, Slovakia should have no problem paying for purchases, even in the current economic situation. The costs are calculated over a longer period of time and the purchase financing horizon is estimated at six to ten years.
Investments in the modernization of the army should be spread over several budget periods, which should reduce the immediate burden on state finances.
Kaliňák emphasizes that the requirements come directly from the army, which has long drawn attention to the need to modernize technology.
