Government approves reconstruction of Sliač airbase

At its session on Wednesday, the Government approved the Defence Ministry's proposal to reconstruct and modernise the Sliač Air Base in central Slovakia for €55.38 million, it was reported on the same day. The proposal was made due to the unsatisfactory condition of the airbase, which does not meet the technical requirements for the operation of new F-16 fighters. The Defence Ministry plans to pay for the upgrade out of its own budget. The exact costs will be known only after a procurement procedure is carried out. According to Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš (Slovak National Party/SNS), the construction of the air base will begin this year and will be completed by 2022. Slovakia has already agreed to purchase fourteen American F-16 fighter jets. The first four fighters are expected to arrive in Slovakia in 2022. The remaining ten will be transported by the end of 2023. As well as aircraft, the procurement will include aircraft equipment, logistics support and training for both air and ground personnel.