Slovakia Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in slovakia, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Aircraft, Spacecraft, HS Code 88
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Aircraft, Spacecraft, HS Code 88

Overview

Table 1: Aircraft, Spacecraft Total Market Size, USD Thousands

 

2022

2023

2024

2025 (Estimated)

Total Market Size

4,804

450,166

219,501

259,000

Total Local Production

15,000

9,000

7,256

9,000

Total Exports

44,435

43,107

51,659

50,000

Total Imports

34,240

484,273

263,904

300,000

Imports from the U.S.

4,773

16,712

156,871

150,000

Exchange Rate: USD/EUR

1.18

1.195

1.082

1.05

USD thousands (total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)

Data Sources:

Total Local Production: Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic
Total Exports: Global Trade Atlas, Eurostat
Total Imports: Global Trade Atlas
Imports from the United States: Global Trade Atlas, Eurostat
Exchange Rate: European Central Bank
 

Leading Sub-sectors

Table 2: The following specific items were the leading exports from the United States to Slovakia covered by this Leading Sector, ranked in USD from 2023 to 2024:
 

HS code—Item

2023

2024

88—TOTAL OF SELECTED PRODUCTS

16,712,305

156,871,111

8800—CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT, ENGINES, AND PARTS

5,686,783

6,269,031

8802—AIRCRAFT, POWERED; SPACECRAFT & LAUNCH VEHICLES

0

140,930,141

8807—PARTS OF GOODS OF HEADING 8801, 8802 OR 8806

10,896,678

9,639,162

Opportunities

The Slovak government recently procured 14 F-16 Block 70/72 jets from Lockheed Martin. The first two F-16s arrived at Malacky Air Base in 2024 and deliveries have continued steadily since then. Renowned for their advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems, and superior performance, these jets will significantly enhance Slovakia’s air defense capabilities. This transition from a fleet of grounded MiG-29s, which Slovakia transferred to Ukraine in 2023, to F-16s represents a significant upgrade, securing Slovak airspace and bolstering European security amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.

In December 2024, the Ministry of the Interior presented a long-term development plan for its Aviation Department that extends to 2035. This plan anticipates a significant fleet expansion. In addition to the existing two Airbus A319 CJs and two Fokker 100s, the ministry plans to acquire another large aircraft and at least one smaller business jet. Furthermore, extensive infrastructure development is planned, including a service center, a helicopter pilot training organization, and new helicopter bases outside the capital. The ministry cites experience with crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for rapid aircraft availability during crises as justification for these initiatives. The fleet modernization and infrastructure development will require investments of over EUR 170.5 million between 2025 and 2028. The total sum, including planned military purchases, remains undisclosed.

The Ministry of the Interior also acknowledged the long-standing inadequacy of its helicopter fleet. To address user requirements, they plan to procure at least four suitably configured helicopters, while simultaneously resolving the critical shortage of flight personnel.

Resources

  • Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic
  • Eurostat
  • The Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic
  • The Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic

 

Contact: marian.volent@trade.gov 

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