President: I Believe That Defence Ministry Will Be Able to Cover Airspace Soon

Zvolen, March 24 (TASR) - I firmly believe that the Defence Ministry will soon provide an operational number of F-16 fighters and will also provide air defences so that Slovak airspace will no longer have to be protected by neighbouring countries, stated President Peter Pellegrini in Zvolen (Banska Bystrica region) on Monday. "There is a military conflict beyond our eastern border. Today, unfortunately, I have to say, the Slovak Republic isn't able to defend itself with its own means even against a stray or mistakenly targeted missile, which, God forbid, could fly over Ukraine and head for the territory of the Slovak Republic," said Pellegrini, stressing that the protection of airspace should be a priority and that Slovakia mustn't gamble with its security in the future. In this context, he mentioned the donation of equipment by the previous government to Ukraine. The head of state is paying a working visit to Zvolen on Monday. His programme includes a visit to the 2nd Air Force Brigade of the Slovak Armed Forces. Slovakia is currently waiting for the delivery of more US F-16 fighters. In December last year, the Defence Ministry announced that the third F-16 had landed in Slovakia. The first battery of the Israeli Barak air defence system is expected to arrive at the end of 2025. It could be fully combat capable by early next year. Slovakia has ordered six sets of them. am/df