Slovak soldiers to train Afghan pilots

The Slovak Parliament approved a proposal to allow Slovak soldiers working under the Resolute Support Operation in Afghanistan to train the technical personnel of the Afghan National Army to fly Mi-17/171 helicopters. These soldiers will be integrated into the Air Advisory Team. Prior to their dispatch to Afghanistan, they will need to undergo training either in Croatia or the Czech Republic. The number of Slovak soldiers won't be increased from the original 66 members though. The Resolute Support Operation replaced the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in January 2015. The aim of this new operation is to support the Afghan Government in building its own defence forces and to enable it to face security threats and be prepared to take responsibility for security without NATO support. The operation has a non-combat character.