Kalinak: In addition to Fighter Jets, Slovakia Wants to Buy US Missile System

Bratislava, 18 February (TASR) - In addition to four more F-16 fighter jets, Slovakia intends to purchase long-range missiles and HIMARS missile systems from the USA, said Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) following the government session on Wednesday. According to Kalinak, this military equipment has been requested by the Slovak armed forces. Negotiations are just beginning, and more detailed information could be available in the summer, he said. "In this case, the US government asked Congress for consent with these negotiations, which was granted, and the negotiations will now be handled by the Department of State and, of course, by Lockheed Martin. I estimate that the negotiations will begin in earnest within four to five months," said Kalinak. The minister believes that Slovakia should have no problem paying for the purchases despite its current economic situation. According to him, the financing horizon for the purchase is six to ten years. The purchase of additional F-16 fighters was also discussed by Slovak Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Slovakia on Sunday (15 February). ko/df