| Unit Name: | Slovak Air Force |
| Native Name: | Slovak: Vzdušné sily Ozbrojených síl Slovenskej republiky |
| Type: | Air force |
| Role: | Aerial warfare |
| Command Structure: | Slovak Armed Forces |
| Garrison: | Zvolen |
| Commander1: | Major General Róbert Tóth[1] |
| Commander1 Label: | Air Force Commander |
| Identification Symbol Label: | Roundel |
| Aircraft Fighter: | F-16V Block 70 |
| Aircraft Helicopter: | Mil Mi-17, UH-60M |
| Aircraft Recon: | L-410UVP-E |
| Aircraft Trainer: | Aero L-39 |
| Aircraft Transport: | C-27J, Let L-410 |
The Slovak Air Force, known since 2002 as the Air Force of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Slovak: Vzdušné sily Ozbrojených síl Slovenskej republiky), is the aviation and air defense branch of the Slovak Armed Forces. Operating 15 aircraft and 18 helicopters from three air bases : Malacky–Kuchyňa, Sliač, Prešov. It succeeded the Czechoslovak Air Force together with the Czech Air Force in 1993. The Slovak Air Force is part of NATO Integrated Air Defense System – NATINADS.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
The Slovak Air Force is tasked with the defense of the sovereign Slovak state and the support of the nation's ground troops.[7] Following the retirement of the Mikoyan MiG-29 in 2022, 7 L-39 Albatros provide the fast-jet capability role to the air force, awaiting the delivery of American F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in 2024. 6 Let-410 Turbolet aircraft provide surveillance and transport capabilities, while 2 C-27 Spartan transports provide a light tactical airlift capability. The helicopter fleet consists of 9 Mil Mi-17, gradually being replaced by the UH-60 Black Hawk.
The Slovak Air Force has been under the command of Major General Róbert Tóth since January 1, 2021.[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]
Many Slovak pilots served in Austro-Hungarian Aviation Troops or in Entente air forces. Some Slovak pilots as part of Czechoslovak Legionnaires served even in French Air Force or Imperial Russian Air Service.
Pilots like Jozef Kiss and Fritz Wowy been one of the best Slovak pilots in World War I.[14]
See main article: Czechoslovak Air Force.
See also: Czechoslovakia.
Much of Austria-Hungary's manufacturing companies were Czech, therefore Czechoslovakia could quickly develop an aircraft industry. As the industry developed it designed more aircraft and engines of its own. Czechoslovak aircraft builders included Aero, Avia, Beneš-Mráz, Letov, Praga, Tatra and Zlín. Engine makers included ČKD, Walter and Škoda.
See main article: Slovak Air Force (1939-1945).
See also: Slovak Republic (1939–1945).
After the division of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany in 1939, Slovakia was left with a small air force composed primarily of Czechoslovak combat aircraft. This force defended Slovakia against Hungary in 1939, and took part in the invasion of Poland in support of Germany. During the World War II, the Slovak Air force was charged with the defense of Slovak airspace, and, after the invasion of Russia, provided air cover for Slovak forces fighting against the Soviet Union on the Eastern Front. While engaged on the Eastern Front, Slovakia's obsolete biplanes were replaced with German combat aircraft, including the Messerschmitt Bf 109. The air force was sent back to Slovakia after combat fatigue and desertion had reduced the pilots' effectiveness. Slovak air units took part in the Slovak National Uprising against Germany from late August 1944.[15] [16] [17]
See main article: Czechoslovak Air Force.
During this time Czechoslovakia was a member of the Eastern Bloc, allied with the Soviet Union, and from 1955 a member of the Warsaw Pact. Because of this, the Czechoslovak Air Force used Soviet aircraft, doctrines, and tactics. The types of aircraft were mostly MiGs. MiG-15, MiG-19, and MiG-21F fighters was produced in license; in the 1970s, MiG-23MF were bought, accompanied by MiG-23ML and MiG-29s in the 1980s.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, the Czechoslovak Air Force consisted of the 7th Air Army, which had air defense duties, and the 10th Air Army, responsible for ground forces support.[18] The 7th Air Army had two air divisions and three fighter regiments, and the 10th Air Army had two air divisions and a total of six regiments of fighters and attack aircraft. There were also two reconnaissance regiments, two transport regiments, three training regiments, and two helicopter regiments.
In November 1989 Communism fell across Czechoslovakia. The two parliaments of the two new states from 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, decided how to split the assets of the former air force. The assets were divided 2:1 in the Czechs' favor, and thus the Slovak Air Force was (re)formed. However the 20 MiG 29s were shared equally between the two countries.[19]
After the formal dissolution of Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993, Czech and Slovak aircraft were divided according to each nation's population, in a ratio of nearly 2:1 in the Czech Republic's favor.[20] The exceptions to this rule were the MiG-23's, which were given exclusively to the Czech Air force, and the MiG-29's, which were divided evenly between the two nations. Slovak bases were initially under-equipped to handle the aircraft transferred from the Czech bases, and required considerable improvements in infrastructure to facilitate the new air force.
On March 1, 1995, the air force replaced the Soviet style aviation regiment organization with the western wing and squadron system.[21]
Around 2000–2002, Slovakia gradually retired many of the older aircraft, including the entire fleet of Su-22, Su-25, and MiG-21.[22]
In 2004, the flight training academy and national aerobatic demonstration team Biele Albatrosy, both based at Košice, were disbanded.[23] [24]
On January 19, 2006, the Slovak Air Force lost an Antonov An-24 in a crash.
On September 20, 2011, all of the remaining Mil Mi-24 gunships were retired.[25] [26] [27] [28]
In October 2014, the government approved the purchase of tactical transport aircraft Alenia C-27J Spartan.
In January 2014, Slovakia started discussions with the Swedish Government regarding leasing or purchasing JAS-39 Gripen aircraft to replace their MiG-29 fighters.[29] [30]
In April 2015, the Slovak government announced it would buy nine UH-60M utility helicopters to replace its fleet of Mi-17 helicopters. The deal worth US$261 million includes also full life-cycle support for the aircraft and training for aircrews and ground personnel.[31]
On December 12, 2018, Slovakia signed a contract to acquire 14 F-16V/Block 70 with additional equipment. All are to be delivered by 2025.[32] The first completed jet was unveiled by the manufacturer on 7 September 2023,[33] and first two aircraft were delivered to Slovakia on 22 July 2024.[34]
On April 13, 2022, Slovakia was negotiating with Bayraktar about the procurement of Bayraktar TB2. The negotiations been never formally ended.[35] [36] [37]
On October 13, 2022, Slovakia joined European Sky Shield Initiative. To strengthen future air defense procurement.
In 2022, Slovakia has donated its S-300 missile system to Ukraine to aid in the Russian invasion.[38]
On September 6, 2023, Slovakia has started the acquisition of medium and short range air defence missile systems (SHORAD/MRAD) with budget of 200 million Euros. The acquisition of these systems is part of first stage out of three stages. Among the medium-range systems, Slovakia has been choosing these systems Barak 8, SPYDER, IRIS-T and MICA.[39] [40] [41] From Short range systems Slovakia was choosing between Piorun, RBS 70,Mistral 3 and KP-SAM Chiron.[42] The systems have not yet been purchased, but negotiations with governments about the acquisition have already begun.[43] [44]
On February 7, 2024 Slovakia is comparing NASAMS, IRIS-T,KM-SAM with the winners of the past tender Barak 8.[45]
On January 29, 2024, Slovakia started negotiations with the United States about the possible purchase of MIM-104 Patriot. Slovakia wanted a discount on AH-1Z Viper helicopters to buy long-range air defense system MIM-104 Patriot.
Following a request for military aid by Ukraine, the Slovak Air Force provided a number of aircraft and equipment as aid. In April, this included the donation of a Soviet era S-300PMU air defence battery, in addition to 4 Mil Mi-17 and one Mil Mi-2 helicopters, through the European Peace Facility.[46] [47] [48] On 31 August 2022, the Soviet origin MiG-29s operated by the Slovak Air Force were retired.[49] An agreement with fellow NATO members Poland and the Czech Republic was signed in order to establish joint patrols of airspace, until the delivery of American F-16s to the Slovak Air Force in 2024.[50] [51] In August 2022 the decision was yet to be made whether the retired MiGs would be donated to Ukrainian Air Force as military aid.[52]
On 17 March 2023, after officially retiring the MiG-29 fighters from active service, the Slovak government approved sending 13 Mikoyan MiG-29 jet fighters to Ukraine and one MiG-29UBS to Military History Museum Piešťany.[53] [54] 9 MiG-29AS, 1 MiG-29UBS, 2 MiG-29A and 1 MiG-29UB were sent to Ukraine. 3 of those fighters were missing engines and were intended to serve as a source of spare parts. Ukrainian pilots flew four MiG-29 jet fighters from Slovakia to Ukraine on 23 March in 2023, with the remaining 9 sent at a later date.[55] The military aid included 2 KUB missile launchers, radar, spare parts, 52 pieces of 3M9ME missiles and 148 pieces of 3M9ME missiles.[56]
After Slovakia gifted its S-300 missile system. Germany and Netherlands and United States deployed its MIM-104 Patriot systems to cover countries air defense needs.[57] [58]
As a compensation for the aid provided, Slovakia received 200 million EUR for the MiG-29 package and 50 million EUR for the KUB package, both from the European Peace Facility fund. The US offered aid in the form of approximately 66% discount on a package including 12 unused AH-1Z, training, related equipment and 500 Hellfire II missiles. The total value of the package is estimated at 1 billion USD, with 660 million USD paid by the US FMF. Should Slovak government accept the offer, the remaining value of the package, in the amount of 340 million USD, is to be paid by the Slovak government in 3–4 years. The total value of the compensation from both the EU and US is approximately 900 million USD per statement from Ministry of Defence of Slovak Republic. The AH-1Z offer is also provided as a compensation in the context of the delays to Slovak F-16C/D delivery. The Slovak government was expected to make a decision on the AH-1Z offer early into the year 2024. The signing of the deal was threatened due to the change in government after the elections.[59] [60] [61]
Chief of the general staff of the Slovak armed forces gen. Daniel Zmeko was critical of the Slovak MiG-29 jet fighters in the last years. Problems with spare parts and maintenance, which was outsourced to Russia and resulted in 4 air frames being airworthy on average, while still plagued by a high failure rate occurring every 43 minutes on average, lack of munitions, no modernisation since 1996 and lack of pilots for the old fighter jets.[62]
Russian technicians were suspected of sabotage, as per statement from the Minister of Defense Jaroslav Naď. Due to unusual failures occurring on parts serviced only by Russian personnel, as well as other issues with spare parts. A criminal investigation was launched. While police couldn't prove Russia did it on purpose, the findings were enough for the Slovak army to loose their trust in the Russian maintenance crews.[63] The deal with Russia for servicing the jet fighters resulted in a cost of 70 000 EUR per flight hour, higher than the cost of the state of the art 5th generation F-35 Lightning II jet fighter.[64]
| Name | Origin | Type | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air-to-air missile | ||||
| AIM-120 AMRAAM | Beyond-visual-range missile | 28 missiles were bought.[70] [71] | ||
| AIM-9 Sidewinder | Air-to-air missile | 100 missiles were bought. | ||
| LAU-127 | Missile rail launcher | 60 launchers were bought | ||
| Air-to-air missile | Unknown number in storage | |||
| Rocket | ||||
| S-5 rocket | Unguided missile | Used by Mil Mi-17.[72] | ||
| Rotary cannons and Autocannons | ||||
| M61 Vulcan | Rotary cannon | 15 bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon. | ||
| GSh-23L | Autocannon | Mounted on Aero L-39/ZAM .[73] | ||
| Machine guns | ||||
| M240H | Machine guns | [74] | ||
| General-purpose bomb | ||||
| Unguided bomb | 324 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon. | |||
| JDAM | Precision-guided munition | 150 kits bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon. | ||
| GBU-12 Paveway II | Precision-guided munition | 212 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon. | ||
| GBU-49 | Precision-guided munition | 20 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.[75] | ||
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Aircraft | ||||||
| F-16 Fighting Falcon | United States | multirole | F-16V Block 70 | 2[76] | 12 on order[77] | |
| Transport | ||||||
| Alenia C-27J | Italy | transport | 2[78] | |||
| L-410 Turbolet | Czech Republic | transport | L-410UVP-E | 6 | one used for reconnaissance | |
| Helicopters | ||||||
| Mil Mi-17 | Russia | utility / SAR | M/LPZS | 10[79] | ||
| UH-60 Black Hawk | United States | utility | UH-60M | 9 | 2 on order[80] | |
| Trainer Aircraft | ||||||
| Aero L-39 | Czech Republic | jet trainer | L-39CM/ZAM | 7 | ||
| UAV | ||||||
| Elbit Skylark | Israel | UAV | I-LEX | 5[81] | Assigned to 5th Regiment. | |
Previous aircraft operated include the MiG-21, MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-22, Sukhoi Su-25, Aero L-29, Antonov An-12, Antonov An-24, Antonov An-26, Mil Mi-2, and the Mil Mi-24 helicopter.[83] [84]
| Name | Origin | Type | In service | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAM | |||||
| 9K38 Igla2 | Soviet Union | MANPADS | 54 | Portable infrared homing S-to-A missile system. To be replaced. | |
| Germany | Anti-air artillery | 2[85] | 2 systems donated by Germany[86] Equipment delivered to the 11th Air Force Brigade.[87] | ||
| 2K12 Kub 2M | Soviet Union | SAM system | 5 batteries | Tracked medium-range surface-to-air missile system.[88] Two launchers with additional equipment were donated to Ukraine in 2022. | |
The Air Force has several types of radars under its command, including 17 Israeli EL/M-2084[89] in various medium and short range variants. The Air Force also operates 5 long-range LÜR surveillance radars from Germany.[90]
The rank insignia of commissioned officers.
The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.
The Slovak aircraft marking is a set made of shield with national cross on three hills which point towards the belly of aircraft. They are the same color as the Slovak flag, red, white, and blue. It appears on the side of helicopters and on both sides of the wings and tail of aircraft. Future F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft should wear a NATO standard compliant grey-on-grey (low-visibility) version of the Slovak Air Force insignia.