Poland and Slovakia are deepening their defense cooperation - earlier this week, it was announced that a protocol of intent was signed by the heads of the defense ministries of both countries to strengthen collaboration in the defense sector.
The defense ministers held discussions and identified future cooperation directions, which encompass four main areas: ammunition production, armored vehicles, specifically main battle tanks, as well as air defense systems.
Primarily, Warsaw and Bratislava aim to jointly produce artillery ammunition, focusing on 155-mm shells. Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, Kaczyński, emphasized the "huge production capacities" of Slovakia.
For instance, last year's news highlighted that the local company ZVS Holding officially opened a new line for the production of 155-mm artillery ammunition last fall. Furthermore, Bratislava had previously announced an expansion of its ammunition production capabilities as part of a Czech initiative aimed at supplying shells to Ukraine.
Regarding armored vehicles, Slovakia is particularly interested, as mentioned by the deputy head of the defense ministry, Robert Kalinák. This involves the K2 main battle tanks, specifically the Polish version K2PL - it should be noted that back in 2023, Poland announced quite tight deadlines for the start of its own production of K2PL tanks, targeting the year 2026. Overall, Poland planned to build 820 tanks, though this number may change.
Another project in the armored vehicle sector is an armored combat vehicle based on the Polish Rosomak (these vehicles are also in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces), and Slovakia's potential future armored vehicle may be equipped with a remotely controlled combat module called Tuura 30 from EVPÚ.
Finally, Slovakia is also interested in Poland's Piorun portable anti-aircraft missile systems; these MANPADS have proven effective in Ukraine, and PGZ has received several orders for them from other countries. Recently, for example, these systems have even caught the attention of Brazil.
Previously, Defense Express reported that Slovakia wants light tanks based on the CV90 with a 120-mm gun instead of T-72, though this choice is questionable.