According to a tweet posted on February 9 by Jaroslav Nad, Slovakian Minister of Defense, Germany will offer for free two MANTIS (Modular, Automatic and Network capable Targeting and Interception System) air defense systems to Slovakia.
MANTIS, formerly titled NBS-C-RAM (Nächstbereichschutzsystem Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar), was inducted in the German Air Force on January 1, 2011, from Rheinmetall Air Defence to protect German military camps abroad. The NBS C-RAM system is supposed to detect, track and shoot down incoming projectiles before they can reach their target within very close range. The system itself is based on Oerlikon Contraves’ Skyshield air defense gun system. It is a stationary air defense system for short and close ranges with its 35mm automatic guns. Each of these guns can fire up to 1,000 rounds per minute. More precisely, a MANTIS consists of two sensor units with search radar, tracking radar, TV camera, infrared camera, a laser range finder, and an operating and fire control center operating the 35mm turrets. It takes four men to operate a system.