Bratislava, 31 March 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Slovakia plans to ramp up production of critical ammunition and artillery shells for Ukraine, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad told journalists on Friday while travelling by train to Kiev.

Nad's comments are the latest show of support for Ukraine from Slovakia, which just recently delivered a Kub air defence system and the first of 13 promised Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets.

Slovakia will now take on "a key role in the production of ammunition for Ukraine," Nad said. "We are taking concrete steps to increase production of 155mm ammunition at our facilities by up to fivefold."

The 155mm rounds are the standard ammunition for NATO artillery and have been in high demand as Ukraine battles against invading Russian forces.

The Slovakian defence minister hopes to assess during his visit to Ukraine how previous arms deliveries have proven themselves in combat.

Slovakia donated its S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Ukraine shortly after Russia launched its invasion in February 2022. It followed shortly afterwards with deliveries of 30 BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, Zuzana self-propelled howitzers and other weapons.

Nad's trip to Kiev alongside Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger follows an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky out of thanks for their decision to hand over the combat aircraft despite much criticism in their own country.

During the communist era, Slovakia was an important centre of weapons production within the Warsaw Pact. A large portion of Slovakia's armaments industry was shut down, however, after the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989 toppled the communist regime.

Photo: EPA