Slovakia hands over two Zuzana 2 howitzers to Ukraine

“The handover of weapons took place at the Konštrukta-Defence enterprise in the city of Dubnica nad Váhom. The event was attended by Prime Minister of Slovakia Ľudovít Ódor, Minister of Defense of Slovakia Martin Sklenár, the ambassadors of Ukraine, Germany, Denmark, and Norway,” the Embassy of Ukraine in Slovakia reports.

According to the Prime Minister of Slovakia, the project for the production of self-propelled howitzers for Ukraine is an example of how international cooperation works and proof of joint solidarity with Ukraine.

"The protection of Ukraine and the ability to resist Russian aggression are in our common interests. A world in which rules have no effect and international rules are not respected is unacceptable to us. Our duty is to help where we can and how we can," Ódor said.

In total, the current assistance package includes 16 pieces of equipment, two of which will soon enter service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Such combat vehicles cost 92 million euros.

As reported, in January, Slovakia sent the last of the eight Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers purchased by Ukraine. At the same time, the General Staff reported that after the fulfillment of this Ukrainian order, Slovakia will produce 16 more Zuzana 2 howitzers which will be financed by Denmark, Germany, and Norway.

Zuzana self-propelled howitzer is equipped with a 155 mm howitzer with a 52 calibre barrel length and a maximum range of 41 km. It can fire up to six rounds per minute.

Photos: Yaroslava Borzova