Kalinak: Slovakia Working on Introduction of Anti-drone Effectors

(JOJ 24,'Politika 24', 28 September) Slovakia is intensively working on the introduction of anti-drone effectors, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) said on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday in connection with strengthening Slovakia's anti-drone protection. Kalinak stressed the importance of seeking as cheap as possible version. "Slovakia is working very intensively to be able to present anti-drone effectors that will be significantly cheaper, as shooting down drones with missiles makes no sense with regards to the difference between what damage can be caused by a drone and what means a missile. That's why a multi-layered air defence is under discussion," explained Kalinak. The minister said that Slovakia originally wasn't included in a recent video conference on building an anti-drone wall, as it doesn't have a border with Russia or Belarus. However, in the end it was said that the protection must be comprehensive..."so that we can protect the Ukrainian border against drones as well, since there may be a threat, too." Kalinak also mentioned the fact that Slovakia gained €2.3 billion from the SAFE programme. He also announced the preparation of a grant scheme, thanks to which Slovakia should obtain funds for anti-drone protection. The minister also touched the issue of the amendment to the Slovak Constitution. He believes that Slovakia will serve as a model path for many countries. Kalinak highlighted the fact that Parliament managed to put together a compact formation that was able to amend the Constitution, adding that this clearly represents the will of voters. Asked whether Smer-SD would form a coalition with the far-right Republic party after the election, Kalinak said that Smer doesn't rule out any party and is open to negotiations. ko