Premier: Huge Boom in Defence Industry and Ammunition Production in Slovakia

Bratislava, 29 May (TASR) - There has been a huge boom in the defence industry and ammunition production in Slovakia recently, stated Premier Robert Fico following his meeting with Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (both Smer-SD) on Thursday, adding that the ministry has met 75 percent of its goals included in the government manifesto to date. "There's been a huge boom in ammunition production and the defence industry as such in Slovakia," stressed the premier. He views it as important for Slovakia to produce not only ammunition, but also other products that its army needs. "Support for domestic self-sufficiency is taking place, and the ministry is continuing to do this," he said, pointing to the industry's positive impact on GDP. According to Fico, more soldiers have started to join the Slovak army than leave it. Some 1,800 soldiers are expected to sign up in 2025, with only 600 leaving," stated the premier, adding that it was different in the past. He also praised the ministry's approach to soldiers' salaries, allowances and other motivational elements. He views building high-quality infrastructure for soldiers as a completed task. Fico reiterated that Slovakia will no longer donate any weapons to Ukraine. "We are a country that is helping Ukraine in a difficult situation by other means. However, we have no problem in cooperating on a commercial basis with anybody," he said. According to the premier, the Defence Ministry has taken all necessary steps regarding protection of the country's airspace. An increase in the number of fighter jets in the future is under consideration, he said. Fico also spoke about cooperation with an Israeli company regarding the air-defence system. "We'll pressure and convince our NATO partners that any increase in defence spending should be connected with financing what we call dual-use projects," stated Fico. In addition to hospitals, this could include road infrastructure, bridges, and maybe also schools. He pointed to projects involving three hospitals in which the Defence Ministry is playing a significant role. ko/df