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Israel sells $582M air defense system to Slovakia: What to know

The air defense system, developed by Aviv Israel Aerospace Industries, is designed to counter various aerial threats such as ballistic missiles and drones.

A "Bird Eye-650" long endurance mini-UAV system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries.
A "Bird Eye-650" long endurance mini-UAV system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries is displayed at the Unmanned Vehicles Conference 2015, on Nov 9, 2015, in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv. — JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday that it has agreed to sell the Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System to Slovakia for 560 million euros ($582 million).

The Barak MX, developed by Aviv Israel Aerospace Industries, is designed to counter various aerial threats, including ballistic missiles and drones.

The system has three interceptors with ranges of 35, 70 and 150 kilometers (21, 43 and 93 miles), each equipped with an active radar seeker, dual-pulse engine and powerful warhead. The Barak MX operates in all weather conditions and can be deployed both day and night. It is capable of being fired from water or land and defends against aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

The $582 million deal was signed in Tel Aviv by Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

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