Modernization appreciated
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- Date: 10.09.2015
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg paid a visit to the Slovak Republic for the first time since taking up his post as NATO chief. At their meeting, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Minister of Defence Martin Glváč discussed a range of topics, amongst others, the performance of the commitments that Slovakia declared at the NATO Wales Summit, the NATO Force Integration Units, and the adaptation of the Readiness Action Plan.
“I would like to thank Slovakia for being a staunch and committed Ally for many years and for contributing to our common security,” said Mr Stoltenberg. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Glváč said: “We confirmed that we are meeting our obligations to invest in modernization and reaffirmed our commitment to spend 1.6 % of GDP on defence by 2020. Moreover, we informed the Secretary General that this year we have managed to secure extra funding for modernization projects, with our defence expenditures now edging towards 1.1 % of GDP.” He further noted that the MOD is already spending nearly 20 % of the defence budget on modernization of military hardware. “Slovakia is a committed Ally. The fact that you are increasing your budgetary expenditures is very important for the Alliance because this allows us to respond collectively to the security situation which is a lot more complicated today,” added Mr Stoltenberg.
The extra funds allocated for the SVK MOD will go on extensive modernization projects such as the purchase of two Alenia C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft and the UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters. “All these acquisitions are directed towards increasing the quality and readiness of our Armed Forces. We have also brought up the number of military exercises in Slovakia with participation of our Allies, as best evidenced by Exercise Slovak Shield, which will reinforce our collective defence capabilities,” said Mr Glváč.
“I would like to thank Slovakia for being a staunch and committed Ally for many years and for contributing to our common security,” said Mr Stoltenberg. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Glváč said: “We confirmed that we are meeting our obligations to invest in modernization and reaffirmed our commitment to spend 1.6 % of GDP on defence by 2020. Moreover, we informed the Secretary General that this year we have managed to secure extra funding for modernization projects, with our defence expenditures now edging towards 1.1 % of GDP.” He further noted that the MOD is already spending nearly 20 % of the defence budget on modernization of military hardware. “Slovakia is a committed Ally. The fact that you are increasing your budgetary expenditures is very important for the Alliance because this allows us to respond collectively to the security situation which is a lot more complicated today,” added Mr Stoltenberg.
The extra funds allocated for the SVK MOD will go on extensive modernization projects such as the purchase of two Alenia C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft and the UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters. “All these acquisitions are directed towards increasing the quality and readiness of our Armed Forces. We have also brought up the number of military exercises in Slovakia with participation of our Allies, as best evidenced by Exercise Slovak Shield, which will reinforce our collective defence capabilities,” said Mr Glváč.
