Air Fest SIAF 2017

Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš opened the 7th annual iteration of the International Air Fest SIAF 2017 at Sliač Air Base. Visitors to the event had a chance to see the first of the two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters in Slovak Air Force service. Speaking on this occasion, Minister of Defence Gajdoš said: “This is clear evidence that we are serious about modernising our Armed Forces, with the aim of giving Slovak citizens guarantees that Slovak soldiers are always here for them and that they are ready to help. And for this we need armed forces that are functional and operational.” He further noted that the current MOD leadership places special emphasis on the modernisation of the SVK Land Forces.

A total of 15 countries were represented at the international air spectacularthis year. As part of its flying and static displays, the SVK Air Force showcased its fixed wing and rotary assets, including the MiG-29 Fulcrum, Aero L-39 Albatros, Let L-410 Turbolet, UH-60M Black Hawk and Mil Mi-17. The two-day event also gave visitors the opportunity to view dynamic demonstrations and static displays of military hardware in service with the SVK Land Forces, Special Operations Forces, Military Police and Armed Forces Guard of Honour.

Head of the MOD reminded that the venue of the airshow coincided with the airfield which had played a significant role throughout the Slovak National Uprising. In his remarks at the opening ceremony, the Minister said: “Back then Three Oaks Airfield was the most important resistance airfield, and also thanks to the events that happened right here, we are lucky to live in a free country today. On Tuesday we will be commemorating the Slovak National Uprising as part of the official nationwide commemorations in nearby Banská Bystrica. Personally, I would be very pleased to see you also there in such high numbers.”

To give his backing to the airshow, Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš also showed up on Sunday, joined by the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, Maj Gen Courtney P. Carr. The U.S. B-52 strategic bomber made its debut appearance at the airshow (on Saturday), and so did the U.S. B-1 heavy bomber (on Sunday). Also breathtaking for spectators was the majestic size of the double-deck Airbus A380 in action.

SIAF 2017 attracted a total of 100,000 visitors on its first day. As part of the solo flying displays, they could see an Austrian Eurofighter, a Spanish F-18, a Czech Gripen and Aero L-159, as well as Mil Mi-35 and Mil Mi-171 rotorcraft. The Wings of Storm Aerobatic Display Team of Croatia on Pilatus PC-9Ms and a display pilot of the Soloturk Aerobatic Display Team of Turkey on an F-16 showed off their mastery of flying skills too. Yet one of the biggest draws was the seven-ship formation of MB-339s from the Al Fursan Aerobatic Display Team of the United Arab Emirates. The flying acts mounted by a Tu-154 and an A-319, which are operated by the Flight of the SVK Interior Ministry, added to the unforgettable moments the audience took home.

The static aircraft park was enriched by tracked and wheeled vehicles in the SVK Armed Forces' inventory.