During a joint press briefing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová announced that a bilateral agreement has been reached and a contract signed to initiate the joint production of the 155-mm Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzer. The information, reported by TASS, outlined the central achievement of the talks and underscored the growing defense collaboration between Kyiv and Bratislava in the field of artillery modernization.
The official statement confirmed the signing of a contract for the manufacture of 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers. President Zelensky emphasized that the agreement also opens pathways for additional collaboration on the joint production of weapons and ammunition, noting that such efforts carry significant strategic importance for Ukraine and its allies as they strengthen levels of deterrence and rapid battlefield support amidst ongoing security challenges.
Separately, Martina Koval-Kakšachiková, the press secretary for Slovakia’s Ministry of Defense, indicated that Ukraine has expressed interest in purchasing an additional 14 Zuzana 2 howitzers from Slovakia. This prospective expansion would further deepen the defense relationship between the two countries and support Ukraine’s ongoing requirements for mobile, high-precision artillery capabilities in diverse operational environments.
As part of the bilateral assistance, Slovakia reportedly supplied Ukraine with the 16 Zuzana 2 howitzers, along with four units of the Božena mine-clearing system, 30 infantry fighting vehicles, an unspecified quantity of ammunition, aviation kerosene, aviation gasoline, pistols, and other essential supplies. The delivery package illustrates Slovakia’s broader commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense needs through equipment transfers, training, and logistical support that enhance operational readiness on multiple fronts.
In the broader regional context, there is long-standing emphasis within Central Europe on strengthening defense industrial cooperation and ensuring that partner nations can scale up production of critical defense systems. The Zuzana 2 program serves as a prominent example of how joint manufacturing initiatives can accelerate access to upgraded capabilities while fostering interoperability among allied forces. Industry experts note that such collaborations can also stimulate domestic defense sectors through technology transfers, supply chain diversification, and joint research and development efforts that build resilience in times of geopolitical tension.
Beyond the immediate contract, observers point to the potential for Slovakia to play a more active role in supplying allied forces with modern artillery systems and related support assets. Analysts highlight that successful execution will depend on steady procurement, skilled maintenance pipelines, and reliable logistical networks to ensure readiness across varied theaters of operation. The momentum from the Zelensky-Caputova meeting signals a broader trend toward practical defense collaboration among European partners who share concerns about regional security and the pace of modernization in artillery and related fields.
Looking back, the discussions reflect a wider pattern of defense cooperation that has emerged in recent years as countries in the region seek to diversify their military industrial bases and strengthen strategic deterrence. Officials from both nations described the agreement as a concrete step toward greater self-reliance and rapid-response capability, while cautions were offered about the need to maintain strict export controls, compliance with international obligations, and transparent oversight during joint production efforts. The dialogue also invites continued dialogue on training, maintenance, and integration with existing Ukrainian and Slovak defense assets to maximize the utility of the new system across multiple mission profiles.
In a broader historical note, there have been earlier discussions in the region about hosting or sharing advanced weapons systems. Reports over time have mentioned considerations by neighboring states about various security arrangements and deployment concepts. The current Slovak-Ukraine agreement represents a distinct and tangible pathway toward practical cooperation that aligns with shared goals of deterrence, regional stability, and the modernization of armed forces capacity. As the collaboration progresses, observers will watch how production timelines, transfer arrangements, and subsequent orders unfold, shaping the trajectory of European defense cooperation for years to come.
Additionally, understanding the regional security dynamics remains essential. The overarching aim of such agreements is to bolster readiness while ensuring that allied nations maintain a credible, rapid-response artillery capability. The joint Zuzana 2 program stands as a concrete example of how national programs can be harmonized to deliver enhanced firepower, improved mobility, and greater operational flexibility for Ukraine and Slovakia alike. The renewed focus on industrial partnerships suggests that more joint ventures could emerge as governments continue to prioritize defense resilience in the face of evolving security challenges across the region. Markers of progress will include production milestones, evaluation tests, and the establishment of robust maintenance and supply lines that sustain long-term capability and interoperability. The parties involved expect ongoing updates as the project advances, reinforcing a shared commitment to defense modernization and regional security cooperation, now and in the years ahead.