It is not just enough to buy new equipment by the Slovak armed forces should now begin preparations for the new aircraft, Defence Minister Martin Glváč believes. "The training of staff is a long process, so it is essential that we begin to address this issue now," he said. As the spokeswoman for the Defence Ministry Martina Balleková points out in a press release, in 2016, the armed forces should receive the first tactical transport aircraft, the Spartan C-27J, new helicopters already later this year, and also discussed is a possible lease of JAS - Gripen fighter jets. The Defence Ministry is aware that the transition to the new aviation equipment will bring new tasks for the Air Force.
"The most important thing will be to choose prospective pilots and technicians who will be the future of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. This means that when we invest in their training and preparation, it does happen that after two or three years they will tell us they are leaving the army. The best solution would be to secure this by law," said Minister Glváč. He specified that at a meeting with army commanders they set out tasks to define the selection criteria for crews, service staff, as well as requirements in connection with the dislocation of the new aircraft. With regard to the announced modernization projects in the Air Force, Defence Minister Glváč approved the formation of a new department for Air Force support directly at the General Staff of the Armed Forces. "The introduction of new equipment into the armed forces always requires addressing a number of technical, personnel and logistical requirements. In case of such demanding acquisitions, as are new aircraft, this applies all the more," explained the Chief of General Staff Milan Maxim.
