Slovenia to purchase German-made Boxer armoured vehicles

Slovenia plans to purchase 45 German-made Boxer armoured vehicles for its armed forces, Defence Minister Matej Tonin announced after talks with German counterpart Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Monday.

Since the final price depends on the level of equipment of the vehicles, the overall cost has not been revealed. Tonin said the government would look to make sure the Slovenian defence industry cooperates with the German defence industry.

Slovenia is in the midst of modernising its armed forces in a bid to meet NATO standards. Investments, mostly in equipment, of €780 million are planned between 2021 and 2026 on top of the regular defence budget. The current wish list includes the Boxers as well as lighter 4×4 armoured vehicles, a tactical transport aircraft, and new communications systems. 

(Sebastijan R. Maček | STA)