Slovakia to resume independent airspace protection using F-16 fighters

The Slovak Armed Forces are set to take over the protection of Slovak airspace within the coming days. This transition marks a return to sovereign airspace defense, which has previously been managed by allies from neighboring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

President Peter Pellegrini announced the move during a command assembly, noting that the defense will be conducted using F-16 fighter jets. The country has already received 14 American-made F-16s, with plans to order more by the end of the year. Additionally, Slovakia is integrating new batteries of the Israeli Barak MX air defense system.

President Pellegrini highlighted the importance of this modernization given the proximity to the war in Ukraine. He also noted a positive trend in military personnel, stating that the number of professional soldiers is increasing after a period of stagnation. Furthermore, the President expressed support for the Ministry of Defense's initiative to restore the Javorina training area to address reduced training capacities.