NATO member Slovakia said it wants Russia to modernize its S-300 air defense systems and old Mi-17 military helicopters, news agency TASS reported Tuesday.
"I want to confirm the interest of Slovakia when it comes to the modernization of the S-300 system," Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said after meeting his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev in Gorky, Russia on Tuesday.
Though a NATO ally, Slovakia is a former member of the Warsaw Pact, which used exclusively Soviet-built military equipment. The nation is moving away from this dependency on Moscow, but still relies on certain Russian equipment.
Fico also said that Russia and Slovakia may soon hash out an agreement to modernize the nation's fleet of old Russian Mi-17 military helicopters.
Last year, Slovakia appeared to be moving away from its dependence on Russian military equipment when it agreed to buy nine U.S-made Black Hawk helicopters for $261 million to replace its Mi-17 fleet.
Fico did not specify how, or whether, modernization contracts would change its military procurement plans.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
