Slovakia joins Allied Sky, a training mission demonstrating NATO’s unity and readiness

As part of a training mission dubbed Allied Sky, a total of six US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft are flying over all 30 NATO Member States in Europe and North America today in the space of just 24 hours. Slovakia, too, is taking part in this non-combat mission, with SVK Air Force MiG-29 fighter jets escorting the B-52s as they make their way across SVK airspace. This historically first training event of its kind is intended to demonstrate the solidarity of the North Atlantic Alliance, whilst offering opportunities for enhancing the interoperability of Allies.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Although overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance is putting on a training, non-combat demonstration of its unity and readiness to be available, if called upon, to fulfil the essence of what NATO is about: “One for all, all for one”.” He appreciated the Slovak Air Force’s active participation in the event, stressing that this is a long-planned mission, which, in no way, is a response to any political developments across Europe.

US Ambassador Bridget Brink said: “Today’s flights over all NATO countries in Europe and North America are an expression of the Alliance’s solidarity and commitment to providing training, which will bolster security in Europe.”

The training event involves six US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft, of which four will overfly the NATO countries in Europe and will be accompanied by NATO nations’ aerial refuelling aircraft and fighter jets, while another two B-52s will overfly Canada and the United States of America.