Slovakia's first two out of 16 Zuzana 2 SPHs – jointly funded by Denmark, Norway and Germany – have now been handed over to Ukraine
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- Date: 01.08.2023
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Today at the Zuzana 2 Handover Ceremony in Dubnica nad Váhom, the first two out of 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), manufactured by state-owned joint stock company KONŠTRUKTA - Defence, have been handed over to Ukraine under a contract worth approximately €92m. All of the 16 Zuzana 2 SPHs – jointly funded by the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of Norway and the Federal Republic of Germany – are expected to have been delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2024.
In attendance at the handover ceremony, alongside Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor, were Defence Minister Martin Sklenár, the ambassadors of Denmark, Norway, Germany and Ukraine, State Secretary of the Slovak Ministry of Defence Marian Majer, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Peter Mišík, and representatives of the subcontractors.
At a press conference after the handover ceremony, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “This project is a joint effort of four countries that have joined forces and resources to help Ukraine defend itself against Russiaʼs senseless aggression. This is a clear demonstration of our will and commitment to support Ukraine as long as it takes. In addition to the priority goal of helping our neighbour under attack from the aggressor, the order for 16 howitzers, worth some €92m, represents a significant financial stimulus for the Slovak defence industry and is good news for the SVK employment and economy. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of this initiative. I believe our cooperation is a good example, which Ukraine, Slovakia and our allies can build on into the future.”
Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor said: “Today is the result of great international cooperation which proves that in Slovakia we can make modern and reliable equipment that meets the strictest international standards. This is also evidenced by cooperation between KONŠTRUKTA - Defence and Ukrainian company KZVV, which should result in a prototype of a new howitzer. While the Slovak side will bring its know-how to this project, the Ukrainian side will provide its extensive production capacity.”
As Director General of DMD Group Štefan Škultéty explained, KONŠTRUKTA - Defence is reflecting on the lessons that can be learned from the use of the Zuzana 2 SPHs on the battlefield in Ukraine. These have already been factored in to the production of the 16 howitzers on order from the company. “They primarily concern greater fire accuracy, enhanced crew protection, and upgraded howitzer fire control software,” Director General of KONŠTRUKTA - Defence Alexander Gurský added.
Separately, Ukraine signed a commercial sale contract with Slovakia in June 2022 for a battery of eight Zuzana 2s, all of which have been delivered.
In attendance at the handover ceremony, alongside Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor, were Defence Minister Martin Sklenár, the ambassadors of Denmark, Norway, Germany and Ukraine, State Secretary of the Slovak Ministry of Defence Marian Majer, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Peter Mišík, and representatives of the subcontractors.
At a press conference after the handover ceremony, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “This project is a joint effort of four countries that have joined forces and resources to help Ukraine defend itself against Russiaʼs senseless aggression. This is a clear demonstration of our will and commitment to support Ukraine as long as it takes. In addition to the priority goal of helping our neighbour under attack from the aggressor, the order for 16 howitzers, worth some €92m, represents a significant financial stimulus for the Slovak defence industry and is good news for the SVK employment and economy. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of this initiative. I believe our cooperation is a good example, which Ukraine, Slovakia and our allies can build on into the future.”
Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor said: “Today is the result of great international cooperation which proves that in Slovakia we can make modern and reliable equipment that meets the strictest international standards. This is also evidenced by cooperation between KONŠTRUKTA - Defence and Ukrainian company KZVV, which should result in a prototype of a new howitzer. While the Slovak side will bring its know-how to this project, the Ukrainian side will provide its extensive production capacity.”
As Director General of DMD Group Štefan Škultéty explained, KONŠTRUKTA - Defence is reflecting on the lessons that can be learned from the use of the Zuzana 2 SPHs on the battlefield in Ukraine. These have already been factored in to the production of the 16 howitzers on order from the company. “They primarily concern greater fire accuracy, enhanced crew protection, and upgraded howitzer fire control software,” Director General of KONŠTRUKTA - Defence Alexander Gurský added.
Separately, Ukraine signed a commercial sale contract with Slovakia in June 2022 for a battery of eight Zuzana 2s, all of which have been delivered.
