Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has asked NATO to strengthen Slovakia’s air defences during a meeting in Bratislava with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The request highlights growing security concerns along the alliance’s eastern flank as regional governments continue to reassess their defence infrastructure in light of ongoing Russian military activity.

Fico said Slovakia intends to determine its own pace and structure of defence spending, even as most NATO members increase investment. He also repeated that Slovakia will not directly supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, apart from permitting commercial sales. This position has placed Bratislava at odds with partners in the European Union, yet the government continues to advance its own defence priorities in response to the threat environment.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, Fico asked Rutte to support additional measures to strengthen Slovakia’s air defence. No further details were provided. The request aligns with Slovakia’s recent efforts to modernize its defence capabilities, including the purchase of new F-16 fighter jets and systems designed to improve detection of aerial threats. Slovakia was also among the eastern EU states that agreed in September to pursue a coordinated “drone wall” to counter increased drone activity.

Bratislava’s appeal to NATO follows deepening defence cooperation with Israel. In December 2024 Slovakia signed a 560 million euro agreement to acquire the Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System from Israel Aerospace Industries. The system is built to intercept a wide range of threats, including drones, cruise missiles, helicopters and ballistic missiles, at ranges of up to 150 kilometres. Israel’s Defence Ministry said the contract reflects growing international interest in Israeli systems that have been tested extensively during the current conflict. Officials in Israel described defence exports as an important element of both economic and national security and predicted that more NATO members would pursue similar systems.

Slovakia’s pursuit of stronger protection comes as countries across Central and Eastern Europe increase their focus on air defence readiness. Romania and Poland have both scrambled fighter jets in recent months in response to drone incursions linked to Russian strikes near the Ukrainian border. While Slovakia maintains an independent political stance on military support for Ukraine, its procurement decisions and request for NATO assistance show a clear effort to reinforce national and regional air defence at a time of rising instability.