Defence Minister speaks with his U.S. counterpart by phone, their conversation brings crucial conclusions

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď spoke with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III by phone today. The underlying theme of their conversation was the current security situation greatly impacted by Russia's military invasion of Ukraine and marked by efforts to strengthen cooperation on defending the Alliance and its Eastern Flank.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “The events in Ukraine underscore the need to scale up the security of NATO countries, including that of Allied airspace, especially on NATO's Eastern Flank. I want to reiterate the MOD's interest in getting rid of Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets and Russian technicians based at Sliač Air Base in the shortest possible time. However, as the Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, my primary responsibility is to secure the protection of SVK airspace. For the time being, we have no replacement aircraft for the MiGs that would be readily available to us, but we are doing everything we can to accelerate the processes.”

On Poland's intent to place the Polish-owned MiGs at the disposal of the Government of the United States in order to deliver them to Ukraine, which has attracted media attention, he pointed out that Slovakia communicates with Allies clearly and directly rather than through press releases or messages posted to social networking sites. “I want to repeat that we know exactly what we should and want to do. We know what our position is and we will inform media about all our steps once we have agreed on all arrangements,” he emphasised.

Following the phone conversation, the head of the MOD confirmed the Slovak and U.S. determination to deploy forces and assets in sufficient strength and numbers in order to bolster collective security as well as to provide aid to Ukraine. “Understandably, the United States of America is the strongest link of the Alliance. But in negotiations, we are equal partners and we have agreed that both countries would provide all possible and available means to Ukraine, so that the Ukrainian people can proudly defend themselves against Russia's unprovoked aggression,” Minister Naď noted. 

According to Minister Naď, the talks laid out clear contours and brought concrete measures for strengthening the defences along Slovakia's and NATO's eastern border. “We talked about a reinforcement in the form of Allied troops and equipment which we could otherwise hardly afford from our budget. We are very much united in the same goal and resolve − to defend Allied territory against any military threats," he said.

Minister Naď appreciated Secretary Austin's agreement that the USA would supply specific advanced capabilities to Slovakia as the NATO eFP Battlegroup Slovakia is being stood up. He announced that more concrete conclusions will be made available by the MOD soon.