Minister Naď visits Allied service members stationed in Slovakia in order to bolster our security

A new Allied battlegroup is being formed under Czech command in Slovakia. So far, Czech, Dutch, German and U.S. troops along with their military equipment have deployed to our country as part of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP). This task force is being stood up in response to the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, with the view to bolstering Slovakia's eastern border, and hence the North Atlantic Alliance.

While on a visit to 81st Wing Sliač, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď, Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer and Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko were delighted to meet Allied service members stationed there.

Speaking at Sliač Air Base, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “144 German and 126 Dutch soldiers, tasked with operating the Patriot air defence system, a NATO eFP GBAD component, are currently deployed to Sliač. This is an important proof of NATOʼs unity and solidarity in delivering collective defence. These soldiers are here to boost our capabilities. Not only do they help us deter any potential threat, but they are also strengthening the defence of Slovakia and that of NATO. I am pleased that I have been able to shake hands with them and thank them in person for their deployment to Slovakia.”

After having a conversation with the commanders of the German and Dutch contingents, the MOD leaders received a tour of the 81st Wing grounds and premises used by Allied soldiers, including the tent camp, the logistics and operations centre, the Patriot operational site, the accommodation facilities, as well as inspecting the progress of refurbishment works to a local building.

As Minister Naď mentioned, NATO's eFP land component troops are also stationed at the Training Centre Lešť. Based on the SVK Parliament-approved mandate, Allied troops along with their equipment, worth billions of euros, have been arriving in Slovakia over the past few weeks since 15 March 2022.