Today at 14:01
Jaroslav Nad, the Minister of Defence of Slovakia, has confirmed the transfer of four Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine.
“Slovakia is helping to protect innocent Ukrainian lives! Happy to confirm that the first 4 Zuzana Howitzers are in the hands of Ukrainian armed forces, ready to be deployed in defence against the Russian aggressors,” Nad tweeted.
He added that four more howitzers will be delivered in the near future.
On 2 June, Ukraine and Slovakia signed a contract for the supply of eight Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers.
The Zuzana 2 is an 8×8 self-propelled gun based on the previous version of Zuzana: 155mm calibre, but with a shorter barrel. In 2018, Slovakia ordered 25 Zuzana 2 units, and the first artillery vehicles were delivered to the Slovak army in July 2021.
They were supposed to replace the previous version (16 Zuzana 1s), increasing the firepower of Slovak artillerymen. The transfer of some of them to Ukraine may affect the Slovak army’s procurement plan.
The price of the units was not stated, but four years ago the Slovak army also bought Zuzana 2s and paid €172 million for 25 units, which is about €7 million each.
This deal contributes to the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Slovakia. Gradual military deliveries to Ukraine create a significant offensive potential for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In fact, this leads to the acceleration of Ukraine’s large counter-offensive in the war against Russia.
