Slovak defence industry's products are in demand by and of valuable assistance to Ukraine
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- Date: 14.07.2023
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A number of technologies of Slovak provenance have supported Ukraine's battle against Russia's illegal and illegitimate military aggression. Aside from combat equipment, the remotely controlled Božena demining unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are making a special contribution to this effort. On Friday (14 July 2023), Defence Minister Martin Sklenár and Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Wlachovský paid a visit to Way Industries, the UGV manufacturer based in Krupina. The two leaders were joined there by Vice-President of the Slovak Security & Defence Industry Association (ZBOP) Alexander Gurský for a meeting with the Executive Leadership Team.
The ministers were keen to see the company's production lines and discussed industry opportunities at the meeting. “First of all, this is about saving lives because large swathes of Ukraineʼs territory have been mined with hundreds of thousands of landmines. As a result, the Božena demining system is a highly sought-after asset. Given the commercial sale opportunities, this is a great chance for growth in terms of the companyʼs production capacities and capabilities, jobs and output,” Defence Minister Sklenár said, noting that mine clearing equipment will be equally vital in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
Additionally, the ministers stressed that the Defence and Foreign and European Affairs Ministries stand ready to support Slovak defence firms at home and abroad with what it takes to respond flexibly to increased demand for their products. On this note, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Wlachovský said: “Slovakiaʼs demining work – and especially the Božena demining system – is a well-established brand abroad. Saving the lives and health of civilian populations in conflict zones around the world for decades, it has taken forward the good name of Slovakia into the future. With the same ambition, we want to continue our clear and concrete support and assistance to Ukraine. I am proud that the Slovak defence industry has the capacity to help our neighbour defend itself against Russiaʼs brutal aggression.”
Chief Executive Officer of Way Industries Bronislav Balga said: “Whilst we are finalising the reorganisation of the manufacturing programmes to take the production of Božena 5+ and 4+ demining systems up to 8 pieces per month, we are also preparing to launch the production of spare parts for these systems. Way Industries is ready to assist Ukraine in demining the countryʼs affected regions by supplying the necessary equipment and spares, training operators and maintenance technicians, and providing consultations. We want to thank both ministries for their support and cooperation.”
So far, Slovakia has provided Ukraine with 10 remotely controlled Božena UGVs, two of which are in their latest 5th version. Alongside this, the Slovak Defence Ministry has granted its patronage to a fundraiser for Ukraine, called “A Gift for Putin”, for two worthy causes – a Božena 5+ demining system as well as EOD equipment and training for an EOD firefighting team.
The ministers were keen to see the company's production lines and discussed industry opportunities at the meeting. “First of all, this is about saving lives because large swathes of Ukraineʼs territory have been mined with hundreds of thousands of landmines. As a result, the Božena demining system is a highly sought-after asset. Given the commercial sale opportunities, this is a great chance for growth in terms of the companyʼs production capacities and capabilities, jobs and output,” Defence Minister Sklenár said, noting that mine clearing equipment will be equally vital in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
Additionally, the ministers stressed that the Defence and Foreign and European Affairs Ministries stand ready to support Slovak defence firms at home and abroad with what it takes to respond flexibly to increased demand for their products. On this note, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Wlachovský said: “Slovakiaʼs demining work – and especially the Božena demining system – is a well-established brand abroad. Saving the lives and health of civilian populations in conflict zones around the world for decades, it has taken forward the good name of Slovakia into the future. With the same ambition, we want to continue our clear and concrete support and assistance to Ukraine. I am proud that the Slovak defence industry has the capacity to help our neighbour defend itself against Russiaʼs brutal aggression.”
Chief Executive Officer of Way Industries Bronislav Balga said: “Whilst we are finalising the reorganisation of the manufacturing programmes to take the production of Božena 5+ and 4+ demining systems up to 8 pieces per month, we are also preparing to launch the production of spare parts for these systems. Way Industries is ready to assist Ukraine in demining the countryʼs affected regions by supplying the necessary equipment and spares, training operators and maintenance technicians, and providing consultations. We want to thank both ministries for their support and cooperation.”
So far, Slovakia has provided Ukraine with 10 remotely controlled Božena UGVs, two of which are in their latest 5th version. Alongside this, the Slovak Defence Ministry has granted its patronage to a fundraiser for Ukraine, called “A Gift for Putin”, for two worthy causes – a Božena 5+ demining system as well as EOD equipment and training for an EOD firefighting team.
