Slovakia plans to expand its role within NATO operations. Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák announced that Slovak F-16 fighter jets will join NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission by the end of 2027. The mission protects the airspace of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which do not operate their own fighter fleets.
Starting in 2028, Slovakia also plans to participate in NATO’s rotating air defense mission using two batteries of the Israeli-made Barak MX defense system.
Kaliňák also confirmed plans for deeper military cooperation with Poland, particularly in counter-drone defense technologies. According to the Minister, Slovakia could play an important role in the production of systems designed to neutralize unmanned aerial threats. He described Poland as a key regional partner and an important security guarantor within NATO.
Source: TASR
