Poland and the Czech Republic will close the skies over Slovakia, and the latter must transfer MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine for $299 million
Today Poland and the Czech Republic signed an agreement with Slovakia, under which they undertook to close the sky over the country. What does Ukraine have to do with this? Let us explain.
Here’s What It Means
The fact is that Slovakia is decommissioning its Soviet-made MiG-29s. Instead it expects delivery of 14 new American-made F-16 fighters. The agreement for the F-16s was signed in 2018, and the planes are due to be delivered in 2024. And while there are no American fighters and the Soviet ones are decommissioned, the skies of Slovakia will be defended by Poland and the Czech Republic.
This agreement makes it possible to transfer the MiG-29 to Ukraine potentially. Earlier, Slovakia said it was ready to send 11 MiG fighters to Ukraine. Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nagy said on Saturday that Bratislava is still willing to do so, but no agreement has yet been reached.
"There is a political will, and it makes sense to help those in need. This possibility is being considered, and as soon as an agreement is reached, we will let you know," the minister stressed.
By the way, he estimates the fighters at $299 million. At the same time, Slovakia will require some financial or material compensation for their donations.
Flashback
Slovakia has already transferred to Ukraine S-300 air defense system, military helicopters series Mi, self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers "Grad", and recently promised another 30 tracked infantry fighting vehicles.
Source: Reuters
