Slovakia's arms exports more than double to 2.5 billion euros amid Ukraine war

Slovakia's weapons exports more than doubled last year to reach 2.5 billion euros, marking a 23-fold increase compared to pre-war levels before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Arms sales now represent nearly three percent of Slovakia's total exports, with the vast majority consisting of ammunition for heavy weapons produced by both state-owned and Czech-owned defense companies operating in Slovakia. The dramatic surge in defense exports reflects Slovakia's role as a supplier to Ukraine and other allies supporting the war effort, transforming the country's arms industry into a significant economic sector. The growth comes as European nations have ramped up military aid to Ukraine while simultaneously rebuilding their own defense stockpiles depleted by donations to Kyiv.