P. Gajdoš: Our aim is to make our young Armed Forces also modern, on Slovak Armed Forces Day my thanks go out to all Servicemen and women

Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš and Chief of Defence Lt Gen Daniel Zmeko today (22 September) took part in official celebrations of Slovak Armed Forces Day in Brezová pod Bradlom. On this occasion, Head of the MOD expressed his appreciation for day-to-day work of military professionals and to support it, he pointed to the ongoing modernization programmes which will enable the armed forces to perform their tasks more effectively in favour of the Slovak Republic and its citizens.
 
In his speech on the SVK Armed Forces as a credible institution, Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš said: “In January of this year our Armed Forces marked the 25th anniversary of its establishment. Over the period of its existence the Slovak military has grown to become a respected institution and the biggest guarantee of Slovakiaʼs self-defence. If not for its firm base of human potential – that is to say, you, men and women of the Armed Forces, it would have never made it among the most trusted institutions.” Shifting from the value of human resources in Defence, he touched on the historically largest real modernization of the Armed Forces, and made a point that the MOD leadership puts an emphasis on striking a balance between modernization and training of military professionals. “It is our aim to make our Armed Forces young and modern,” he said.
 
In his speech on the historical evolution of the Slovak Armed Forces, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Security Anton Hrnko said: “The road towards forming the independent Slovak Armed Forces began in this area exactly 170 years ago. It was here that the first Slovak Volunteers fought a victorious battle for national liberation, equality and democracy. The Armed Forces have hung on to this combat tradition and cherished it to date.” He went on to clarify that the venue of the Slovak Armed Forces Day celebrations has been chosen in celebration of the Battle at Brezová pod Bradlom and the Battle of Prietržská cesta.
 
In his speech on the unique role of the SVK Armed Forces, Chief of Defence Lt Gen Daniel Zmeko expressed his thanks and respect to all Servicemen and women for their hard work. “We, members of the Slovak Armed Forces, have a unique duty and mission – to ensure peace and security. Security is, however, not for free and, also thanks to state-of-the-art assets, we can deliver on this task in a responsible manner in favour of Slovak citizens,” he said.
 
Residents and visitors to Brezová pod Bradlom today had a chance to see a static display of SVK Army equipment and technology as well as dynamic and flying demonstrations, including the new Spartan C-27J airlifter and UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters. Also showcased was the eight-wheeled IFV prototype for the SVK Army, which will be a unique product of the Slovak defence industry and its production will generate new jobs and increase employment levels in the arms companies across the Považie region.
 
To mark Slovak Armed Forces Day and the 25-year anniversary of the SVK Armed Forces, military professionals and veterans who had brought credit to the SVK Armed Forces were awarded with medals. Among them were also injured and wounded veterans of Afghanistan.
 
Slovak Armed Forces Day in Slovakia coincides symbolically with the anniversary of the Slovak Volunteers winning the Battle at Brezová pod Bradlom in 1848. As part of the celebrations, military units across Slovakia staged Open Door Day events on 21 September to reach out to members of the public and raise awareness of their work.