Ukraine and Slovakia launch joint production of 155mm artillery systems

Ukraine and Slovakia have agreed to collaborate on developing a 155 mm self-propelled artillery system.

The Slovakian media Dennk E reported this. This collaboration aims to modify the Slovak Eva self-propelled howitzer to meet Ukrainian requirements and incorporate technical solutions from Ukrainian partners.

The state-owned business Konstrukta Defence is the Slovak partner in the development of the new self-propelled howitzer, while the Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant, which makes its own howitzers, is the Ukrainian partner.

“Our goal is to build a functional prototype of the new howitzer within one year”.

Oleksandr Gursky, director of Konstrukta Defense

The corporations have already signed a memorandum of understanding. Vitaliy Zagudayev, head of the Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant, noted this as well. The corporations have also agreed upon other forms of partnership.

“In Konstrukta Defence, we have found a good and reliable partner with whom we are developing projects in the fields of mortars, ammunition, modernisation of the Bohdan project, and development of a new 155 mm howitzer”.

Vitalii Zahudaiev, director of the Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Plant

It is reported that Ukraine signed this cooperation as its military are satisfied with the Slovak Zuzana 2 howitzers, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces began using in 2022.

Previously, Ukraine, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic signed a declaration on collaboration in infantry fighting vehicles procurement and maintenance.

Furthermore, Ukroboronprom and the Czech state-owned firm VOP CZ agreed to collaborate on the repair of Ukrainian T-64 tanks.

These collaborations with European partners help Ukraine to defend the country from Russian invasion.