By the end of 2022, Slovak Defence Ministry aims to build a container town with a capacity of 2,444 beds at the Military Training Area Lešť, south central Slovakia. According to the contract published in the central register, costs for the construction should be at the level of €20 million. The accommodation capacities are intended mainly for members of foreign armed forces who have reinforced the NATO military presence in Slovakia in response to Russia's military aggression in Ukraine. "The accommodation capacities are insufficient due to the situation in Ukraine and therefore it is necessary to solve them in the shortest possible timeframe. The troops of the member countries are already being deployed and practically the possibilities of adequate accommodation have been exhausted," the ministry assessed.
Moreover, the government has earmarked up to €31.42 million for a similar project, which should be built at Sliač airport, central Slovakia. According to the current mandate, up to 3,000 NATO troops may be stationed in Slovakia as part of an enhanced NATO forward presence. In the event of a continuation of the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine, the defence ministry foresees expanding the mandate to 6,000 troops, as stated in the material when the government approved the building of accommodation capacities.
Source: TASR
