Konštrukta-Defence, the Slovak-owned arms company, and Ukraine’s KZVV company will co-develop new Howitzers, though this could be brought to an immediate halt if anti-Ukraine parties win September’s elections.
Ukraine’s KZVV company wants a functional prototype of the tailor-made motorised cannons in 12 months, reports Denník N.
“The joint Howitzer project would bring us work for years to come. It would bring us revenue from licence sales and other benefits,” said Konštrukta-Defence’s CEO, Alexander Gurský, anticipating orders for tens of artillery systems. So far, Slovakia’s howitzer production has peaked at 14 systems a year.
Ukraine has bought 24 howitzer systems dubbed Zuzana – a purchase footed by Denmark, Norway and Germany. The advantage of the Slovak system is its unique protection of the crew. The custom version would be based on a different prototype, dubbed Eva, which boasts lighter construction, allowing it to make its way through muddy terrain, and bridges and fit better on a plane.
Among the customisations Ukraine demands is the ability to fire less-than-perfect ammunition, as troops often must use older cartridges. The competitive advantage of Slovak howitzer manufacturer is that it provides maintenance and repairs on Ukrainian territory. French, Polish, or German companies require transport to NATO territory.
However, Slovakia’s September snap elections could endanger the plans.
Now leading the polls is the Smer party, running on an anti-Ukrainian platform and promising to end military support, which could extend to commercial partnerships.
Since Konštrukta-Defence is a state-owned company, it would be as easy as changing up its leadership.
(Barbara Zmušková | EURACTIV.sk)
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