Slovakia has said it is ready to send the 11 MiG fighters to Ukraine, whose military has long relied on Soviet-era equipment and which has asked for more supplies from NATO nations to boost its ability to fight Russian invasion forces. Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav told reporters at an air show on Saturday that Bratislava remains ready to send the jets to neighboring Ukraine, but no deal has yet been reached. “There is political will, and it makes sense, to help those who need help,” Nad said. “The possibility is on the table and as soon as there is an agreement we will let you know.” Western nations and their allies are stepping up military aid to Ukraine with cash, equipment and training in the more than six-month-old conflict with Russia. Slovakia, with a population of 5.4 million, has already donated an S-300 air defense system, Mi series military helicopters, self-propelled howitzers and Grad multiple rocket launchers. This week it said it would send 30 BVP-1 infantry fighting vehicles. Nad, who valued the MiGs at around 300 million euros ($299 million), said Slovakia would seek some financial or material compensation for its donations to support the modernization of its military. Under Saturday’s agreement with Slovakia’s neighbors, the Czech Republic and Poland will police its skies from September, while Slovakia expects the delivery of 14 new US-made F-16 fighter jets. The F-16 deal was signed in 2018 and the jets are expected to be delivered in 2024. ($1 = 1.0039 euros) (Reporting by Jiri Skacel in Malacky and Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Edmund Blair)
