Baku has transitioned from tentative interest to a concrete military commitment, signing a framework agreement to acquire a significant fleet of advanced Slovak weapons to bolster its artillery capabilities. The deal, finalized in Riyadh, marks a pivotal shift in the defense relationship between Slovakia and Azerbaijan, moving beyond preliminary talks into a high-value procurement phase.
The center-piece of the agreement is the delivery of 96 SAM-120 automated mortar systems, a deal valued at approximately €210 million. This acquisition represents more than a simple purchase of hardware. it is the first tangible result of a strategic dialogue that began in 2024, aimed at modernizing the Azerbaijani armed forces while providing a substantial boost to the Slovak defense industry.
For Slovakia, the contract is a validation of its specialized military engineering. For Azerbaijan, it is a step toward a broader goal of military independence and the integration of highly mobile, automated fire support into its operational doctrine.
The Riyadh Agreement and the SAM-120 System
The SAM-120—a modernized designation for the platform previously known as the AM-120—is designed specifically for the demands of contemporary, high-intensity conflict. Developed by ZTS Špeciál and mounted on a robust Tatra 815-7 6×6 chassis provided by Excalibur Army, the system blends heavy firepower with rapid mobility.
The technical superiority of the SAM-120 lies in its automation and crew protection. The system allows a crew of two to four soldiers to operate the turret remotely from the safety of the armored cabin. With a full 360-degree range of fire and the integration of the Lansys fire control system from Kerametal, the platform can engage targets with high precision even in complex terrain.
Military analysts highlight the “shoot and scoot” capability as the system’s primary tactical advantage. The SAM-120 can deploy 60 mortar grenades in rapid succession and relocate immediately after firing, significantly reducing the risk of detection and counter-battery fire from enemy positions.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Developer | ZTS Špeciál |
| Chassis | Tatra 815-7 6×6 |
| Fire Control | Lansys (Kerametal) |
| Ammo Capacity | 60 Mortar Grenades |
| Turret Rotation | 360 Degrees |
A Strategy for Industrial Independence
While the immediate focus is on the delivery of the mortar systems, the overarching objective for Baku is the establishment of domestic production. This vision was first articulated in 2024, when Azerbaijan and Slovakia entered discussions regarding joint investments and the creation of shared manufacturing plants.
Fuad Shahbazov, a Baku-based analyst, notes that the current cooperation extends far beyond the purchase of finished goods. According to Shahbazov, the long-term strategy involves transferring technological expertise to Azerbaijan, allowing the country to build its own production capacities and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers for army modernization.
This approach reflects a wider trend among regional powers seeking to insulate their defense supply chains from geopolitical volatility. By transitioning from a buyer to a partner in production, Azerbaijan aims to ensure the sustainable maintenance and evolution of its arsenal.
The EVA Howitzer: The Next Potential Phase
Parallel to the SAM-120 deal, Azerbaijan has maintained a keen interest in the Slovak EVA 155mm self-propelled howitzer. According to reports from Azernews, the EVA system is viewed as a complementary asset that would provide Baku with greater range and a higher rate of fire than the mortar systems.
Unlike the SAM-120, the EVA howitzer has not yet reached the stage of a signed public contract. Negotiations remain in the developmental phase, with Azerbaijani officials evaluating how the EVA’s wheeled mobility and long-range capabilities would fit into their current artillery mix. If a deal is reached, the combination of the SAM-120 and EVA would provide a balanced artillery architecture, capable of addressing both close-in support and long-distance suppression.
The pursuit of these advanced Slovak weapons underscores a growing trust in Central European defense technology, which is often seen as a pragmatic middle ground between Western standards and the specific operational needs of the Caucasus region.
The next critical checkpoint for this partnership will be the initial delivery phase of the 96 SAM-120 units and the subsequent progress of the joint venture negotiations for local manufacturing plants. The outcome of these milestones will determine whether this partnership evolves into a permanent industrial alliance.
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