Apart from Poland, the Czech Republic could also be involved in protecting Slovakia's airspace. Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad stated in late April that Poland is ready to protect Slovakia's airspace when the country's MiG-29s are decommissioned until it receives the F-16s ordered from the USA. Slovakia should pay only the fuel costs for flights over its territory. Depending on what is ultimately signed, Poland could start guarding Slovak airspace during the summer or in the autumn. According to the minister, Slovakia should obtain the first seven F-16s in the first half of 2024.
SOURCE: TASR
Marianna Palková, Photo: Wikimedia/Rob Schleiffert
