The working group that will consider the feasibility of air force cooperation with the Czech Republic and the usage of the Slovak military base at Sliač by Czech Gripen fighter jets will be established by the end of September, according to the spokesperson of the Slovak Army Martina Balleková.
Based on the conclusions of the working group, the Czech and Slovak parties want to address the legislative, technical, and operational requirements for joint airspace defence. In the first phase the use of current aviation equipment is foreseen. After 2016, Slovakia plans together with the Czech Republic to operate the same type of fighter aircraft, which would allow both countries to significantly save funds on logistics and training, but also substantially enhance interoperability of both air forces within NATO.
