Ukraine receives Zuzana 2 howitzers from Slovakia

This was announced by Slovak Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor on Twitter.

"Aiding Ukraine represents joint efforts for lasting peace, respect for freedoms and values. Thanks Germany, Denmark and Norway for sending Slovak Zuzana 2 howitzers. More to follow," he tweeted. 

The Embassy of Ukraine in Slovakia confirmed the supply of self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine. They noted that these combat vehicles cost 92 million euros. 

The handover of the weapons took place at the Konštrukta-Defense facility in the Slovak city of Dubnica nad Váhom. The event was attended by Prime Minister of Slovakia Ludovit Ódor, Minister of Defense Martin Sklenar, and the ambassadors of Ukraine, Germany, Denmark, and Norway.

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

"It is in our common interest to protect Ukraine and its ability to withstand Russian aggression. We do not accept a world where international rules do not work and are not respected. It is our duty to help where we can and how we can," Odor said.

The embassy also added that the current aid package includes 16 pieces of equipment, two of which will soon be put into service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

What is known about the supply of Zuzana 2 for Ukraine

On June 2, 2022, it became known that Ukraine signed a contract with Slovakia for the supply of eight Zuzana 2 howitzers. The deal was attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and representatives of the Slovak Defense Ministry. 

As of August 13, the first four Zuzana howitzers have been delivered to the Ukrainian military.

In early October, Jaro Nad announced that Denmark, Norway, and Germany would finance the production of 16 Zuzana 2 howitzers for Ukraine worth EUR 92 million.

In addition, in the same month, two Slovak-made Zuzana-2 howitzers arrived in Ukraine, with more deliveries of weapons from Slovakia to come.

On January 16, 2023, Slovak Defense Minister Jaro Nad announced the transfer of an eighth howitzer to Ukraine.

On July 7, Ukraine and Slovakia signed a contract to produce 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery systems.