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The '''Slovak Air Force''', known since 2002 as the '''Air Force of the Armed Forces of the [[Slovakia|Slovak Republic]]''' ({{lang-sk|Vzdušné sily Ozbrojených síl Slovenskej republiky}}), is the [[aviation]] and [[air defense]] branch of the [[Military of Slovakia|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]].<ref>[http://journal.dresmara.ro/issues/volume4_issue1/04_sopoci_matta.pdf "The ambitions of the Slovak armed forces. Theory and reality."]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://journal.dresmara.ro/issues/volume3_issue2/03_kustrova.pdf|title="Trends in Slovak Republic military spending"}}</ref><ref>[https://lt.justice.gov.sk/Attachment/vlastnymat_doc.pdf?instEID=46&attEID=37524&docEID=194971&matEID=4248&langEID=1&tStamp=20110818131710547"Východiská strategického hodnotenia obrany Slovenskej republiky 2011"]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ucps.sk/subory/Prilohy_rychle_aktuality/vychodiska_strategickeho_hodnotenia_obrany_sr.doc |title=I. Plnenie cieľov obrannej politiky SR |access-date=2022-05-14 |archive-date=2013-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928113724/http://www.ucps.sk/subory/Prilohy_rychle_aktuality/vychodiska_strategickeho_hodnotenia_obrany_sr.doc |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.webnoviny.sk/ekonomika/na-obranu-pojde-jedno-percento-hrubeho/743056-clanok.html?from=panel_plainarticle "Na obranu pôjde v roku 2014 jedno percento HDP"] 10 October 2013</ref>
The '''Slovak Air Force''', known since 2002 as the '''Air Force of the Armed Forces of the [[Slovakia|Slovak Republic]]''' ({{langx|sk|Vzdušné sily Ozbrojených síl Slovenskej republiky}}), is the [[aviation]] and [[air defense]] branch of the [[Military of Slovakia|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]].<ref>[http://journal.dresmara.ro/issues/volume4_issue1/04_sopoci_matta.pdf "The ambitions of the Slovak armed forces. Theory and reality."]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://journal.dresmara.ro/issues/volume3_issue2/03_kustrova.pdf|title="Trends in Slovak Republic military spending"}}</ref><ref>[https://lt.justice.gov.sk/Attachment/vlastnymat_doc.pdf?instEID=46&attEID=37524&docEID=194971&matEID=4248&langEID=1&tStamp=20110818131710547"Východiská strategického hodnotenia obrany Slovenskej republiky 2011"]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ucps.sk/subory/Prilohy_rychle_aktuality/vychodiska_strategickeho_hodnotenia_obrany_sr.doc |title=I. Plnenie cieľov obrannej politiky SR |access-date=2022-05-14 |archive-date=2013-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928113724/http://www.ucps.sk/subory/Prilohy_rychle_aktuality/vychodiska_strategickeho_hodnotenia_obrany_sr.doc |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.webnoviny.sk/ekonomika/na-obranu-pojde-jedno-percento-hrubeho/743056-clanok.html?from=panel_plainarticle "Na obranu pôjde v roku 2014 jedno percento HDP"] 10 October 2013</ref>


The Slovak Air Force is tasked with the defense of the sovereign Slovak state and the support of the nation's ground troops.<ref>[http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tmib20/current"The Military Balance 2014".], February 05, 2014.</ref> 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 [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|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 [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60 Black Hawk]].
The Slovak Air Force is tasked with the defense of the sovereign Slovak state and the support of the nation's ground troops.<ref>[http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tmib20/current"The Military Balance 2014".], February 05, 2014.</ref> 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 [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|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 [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60 Black Hawk]].
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Many Slovak pilots served in [[Austro-Hungarian Aviation Troops]] or in [[Entente Cordiale|Entente]] air forces. Some Slovak pilots as part of [[Czechoslovak Legion]]naires served even in [[French Air and Space Force|French Air Force]] or [[Imperial Russian Air Service]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Karel Janoušek |date=2023-11-19 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Karel_Janou%C5%A1ek&oldid=1185941444 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2024-01-12 |language=en}}</ref>
Many Slovak pilots served in [[Austro-Hungarian Aviation Troops]] or in [[Entente Cordiale|Entente]] air forces. Some Slovak pilots as part of [[Czechoslovak Legion]]naires served even in [[French Air and Space Force|French Air Force]] or [[Imperial Russian Air Service]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Karel Janoušek |date=2023-11-19 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Karel_Janou%C5%A1ek&oldid=1185941444 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2024-01-12 |language=en}}</ref>


Pilots like Jozef Kiss and Fritz Wowy been one of the best Slovak pilots in [[World War I]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Slovensko a Prvá svetová vojna |publisher=Klub vojenskej histórie Beskydy, Štátna vedecká knižnica v Košiciach |year=2018 |isbn=978-80-570-0576-6 |location=Košice |pages=97–104 |language=Slovak |trans-title=Slovakia and First World war}}</ref>
Jozef Kiss and Fritz Wowy were two of the best Slovak pilots in [[World War I]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Slovensko a Prvá svetová vojna |publisher=Klub vojenskej histórie Beskydy, Štátna vedecká knižnica v Košiciach |year=2018 |isbn=978-80-570-0576-6 |location=Košice |pages=97–104 |language=Slovak |trans-title=Slovakia and First World war}}</ref>


=== 1918–1939 ===
=== 1918–1939 ===
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{{main|Czechoslovak Air Force}}
{{main|Czechoslovak Air Force}}


[[File:Czechoslovak Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21R Lofting-7.jpg|thumb|Retired [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] of the Czechoslovak Air Force]]
[[File:Czechoslovak Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21R Lofting-7.jpg|thumb|Retired [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21R]] of the 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 [[MiG]]s. [[MiG-15]], [[MiG-19]], and [[MiG-21]]F fighters was produced in license; in the 1970s, [[MiG-23]]MF were bought, accompanied by [[MiG-23]]ML and [[MiG-29]]s in the 1980s.
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 [[MiG]]s. [[MiG-15]], [[MiG-19]], and [[MiG-21]]F fighters was produced in license; in the 1970s, [[MiG-23]]MF were bought, accompanied by [[MiG-23]]ML and [[MiG-29]]s in the 1980s.


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=== 1993–present ===
=== 1993–present ===
[[File:Su-25UBK Slovakia (21986301418).jpg|thumb|right|Retired subsonic jet aircraft [[Sukhoi Su-25]] of the Slovak Air Force]]
[[File:Su-25UBK Slovakia (21986301418).jpg|thumb|right|Retired subsonic jet aircraft [[Sukhoi Su-25|Sukhoi Su-25UBK]] of the Slovak Air Force]]


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.<ref>Ed. David Donald.''The Pocket Guide to Military Aircraft and the World's Air Forces.'' Ed. David Donald. London:Hamlyn. 2001 {{ISBN|0-600-60302-4}}</ref> 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.
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.<ref>Ed. David Donald.''The Pocket Guide to Military Aircraft and the World's Air Forces.'' Ed. David Donald. London:Hamlyn. 2001 {{ISBN|0-600-60302-4}}</ref> 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.
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=== Investigation into Russian sabotage of Slovak MiG-29 ===
=== Investigation into Russian sabotage of Slovak MiG-29 ===
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.<ref name="RTVS: Slovakia will donate jet fighter to Ukraine" /><ref>{{cite web |title=National Cabinet unanimously and in conformity with the Constitution votes to send the MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine|website=[[Ministry of Defense of The Slovak Republic]] |date=17 March 2023 |url=https://www.mosr.sk/52625-en/vladny-kabinet-jednohlasne-a-v-sulade-s-ustavou-rozhodol-o-poskytnuti-lietadiel-mig-29-ukrajine |access-date=19 October 2023}}</ref>
Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak armed forces General [[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 four 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.<ref name="RTVS: Slovakia will donate jet fighter to Ukraine" /><ref>{{cite web |title=National Cabinet unanimously and in conformity with the Constitution votes to send the MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine|website=[[Ministry of Defense of The Slovak Republic]] |date=17 March 2023 |url=https://www.mosr.sk/52625-en/vladny-kabinet-jednohlasne-a-v-sulade-s-ustavou-rozhodol-o-poskytnuti-lietadiel-mig-29-ukrajine |access-date=19 October 2023}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web |title=MiGs reported failures in parts accessed only by Russian maintenance personnel |website=[[Denník N]] |date=6 April 2023 |url=https://dennikn.sk/3317062/minister-nad-migy-hlasili-chyby-v-castiach-kam-mali-pristup-len-rusi-videli-sme-v-tom-zamer/ |access-date=19 October 2023}}</ref> 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 [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] jet fighter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Slovakia paid Russia for MiG-29 flight hour more than is the cost of F-35 |website=[[Denník N]] |date=29 September 2023 |url=https://dennikn.sk/3592044/slovensko-platilo-rusom-za-hodinu-letu-migov-viac-ako-stoji-let-najmodernejsich-stihaciek-f-35/ |access-date=19 October 2023}}</ref>
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 Russian maintenance crews.<ref>{{cite web |title=MiGs reported failures in parts accessed only by Russian maintenance personnel |website=[[Denník N]] |date=6 April 2023 |url=https://dennikn.sk/3317062/minister-nad-migy-hlasili-chyby-v-castiach-kam-mali-pristup-len-rusi-videli-sme-v-tom-zamer/ |access-date=19 October 2023}}</ref> 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 [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] jet fighter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Slovakia paid Russia for MiG-29 flight hour more than is the cost of F-35 |website=[[Denník N]] |date=29 September 2023 |url=https://dennikn.sk/3592044/slovensko-platilo-rusom-za-hodinu-letu-migov-viac-ako-stoji-let-najmodernejsich-stihaciek-f-35/ |access-date=19 October 2023}}</ref>


== Organization ==
== Organization ==
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** '''2nd Air Force Brigade''', in Zvolen
** '''2nd Air Force Brigade''', in Zvolen
*** Air Operations Center, in Zvolen (part of [[NATO]]'s [[NATO Integrated Air Defense System]])
*** Air Operations Center, in Zvolen (part of [[NATO]]'s [[NATO Integrated Air Defense System]])
*** Radar Surveillance Battalion, in Zvolen (6× [[EL/M-2084|EL/M-2084M-MMR]], 5× ELM-2084S-MMR/GBAD, 6× ELM-2138M MC radars)<ref name="Smisek">{{cite web |last1=Smisek |first1=Martin |title=Modernising Slovakia’s Ground-Based Air Defence |url=https://euro-sd.com/2023/06/news/31806/modernising-slovakias-ground-based-air-defence/ |publisher=European Security & Defence |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>
*** Radar Surveillance Battalion, in Zvolen (6× [[EL/M-2084|EL/M-2084M-MMR]], 5× ELM-2084S-MMR/GBAD, 6× ELM-2138M MC radars)<ref name="Smisek">{{cite web |last1=Smisek |first1=Martin |title=Modernising Slovakia's Ground-Based Air Defence |date=26 June 2023 |url=https://euro-sd.com/2023/06/news/31806/modernising-slovakias-ground-based-air-defence/ |publisher=European Security & Defence |access-date=10 June 2024}}</ref>
**** Command and Support Company, in Zvolen
**** Command and Support Company, in Zvolen
**** 1st Radar Surveillance Company, in [[Michalovce]]
**** 1st Radar Surveillance Company, in [[Michalovce]]
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*** Maintenance Squadron
*** Maintenance Squadron
*** Medical Point
*** Medical Point

=== 81st Wing "Sliač Air Base" ===
The 81st Wing Air Base should function as standard base for all fighter aircraft as well as trainer aircraft of Slovak Air Force. But because of reconstruction of the base, all aircraft were relocated to 46th Wing. After the reconstruction of the base is completed, it will again host fighter and trainer jets such as [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Block 70/72]] and [[Aero L-39 Albatros|Aero L-39]].

=== 46th Wing "Dopravné krídlo Milana Rastislava Štefánika" ===
The 46th Wing is at the moment only active air base of Slovak Air Force that is able to host [[Fighter aircraft|fighter jets]] as well as [[subsonic aircraft]]. But is meant to be home for all transport aircraft as [[Alenia C-27J Spartan]] and [[Let L-410 Turbolet]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Letecká základňa Malacky - Malacky - GoOut |url=https://goout.net/sk/letecka-zakladna-malacky/vzmmpf/ |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=goout.net |language=sk-SK}}</ref>

=== 51st Wing "Prešov Air Base" ===
The 51st Wing is the home base for all helicopters of Slovak Air Force, which also includes a helicopter repair company. The air base operates 19 helicopters, 10 [[Mil Mi-17]] and 9 [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vrtulniky.sk |date=2023-09-16 |title=Vojenský opravárenský podnik 028 Prešov, š.p. |url=https://www.helicopters.sk/vojensky-opravarensky-podnik-presov/ |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=Vrtuľníky a helikoptéry |language=sk-SK}}</ref>

=== 2nd Air Force Brigade ===
The 2nd Zvolen Air Force Brigade is the Air Force Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic based in Zvolen. The brigade is a part of the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System ([[NATINADS]]).

==== Tasks:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-06 |title=Krídlo velenia, riadenia a prieskumu Zvolen |url=http://www.kvrps.mil.sk/137/ |access-date=2024-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306060405/http://www.kvrps.mil.sk/137/ |archive-date=2017-03-06 }}</ref> ====

* performance of Air Policing tasks within NATINAMDS
* implementation of active command and control of the Air Force of the Slovak Armed Forces
* collection, processing and distribution of information for the needs of the Air Force Command and higher levels of NATO

=== 11th Air Force Brigade ===
In charge of protecting military objects, critical infrastructure and civilian objects. Anti-air defense systems it fields :

* [[2K12 Kub|2K12 Kub 2M]] mobile [[Surface-to-air missile]] system. Will be repalced by 2026.
* [[9K38 Igla]] lightweight [[man-portable air-defense system]]. Should be replaced by 2025.
* [[MANTIS Air Defence System|MANTIS]] high fire rate [[anti-air artillery]], deployed in eastern Slovakia


=== Aircraft armament ===
=== Aircraft armament ===
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|[[R-60 (missile)|R-60]]
|[[R-60 (missile)|R-60]]
|{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|[[Air-to-air missile]]
|Air-to-air missile
|Unknown number in storage<ref>{{Citation |title=Aero L-39 Albatros |date=2023-11-09 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Aero_L-39_Albatros&oldid=1184256021 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2023-11-11 |language=en}}</ref>
|Unknown number in storage<ref>{{Citation |title=Aero L-39 Albatros |date=2023-11-09 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Aero_L-39_Albatros&oldid=1184256021 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2023-11-11 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
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|{{Flag|United States}}
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Unguided bomb]]
|[[Unguided bomb]]
|324 bombs bought for [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]].<ref name="auto1" />
|324 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.<ref name="auto1" />
|-
|-
|[[Joint Direct Attack Munition|JDAM]]
|[[Joint Direct Attack Munition|JDAM]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Precision-guided munition]]
|[[Precision-guided munition]]
|150 kits bought for [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]].<ref name="auto1" />
|150 kits bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.<ref name="auto1" />
|-
|-
|[[GBU-12 Paveway II]]
|[[GBU-12 Paveway II]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Precision-guided munition]]
|Precision-guided munition
|212 bombs bought for [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]].<ref name="auto1" /><ref name="Team"/>
|212 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.<ref name="auto1" /><ref name="Team"/>
|-
|-
|[[GBU-49]]
|[[GBU-49]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Precision-guided munition]]
|Precision-guided munition
|20 bombs bought for [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=ESD Editorial |date=2019-12-13 |title=Slovak Air Force Modernisation - European Security & Defence |url=https://euro-sd.com/2019/12/articles/15540/slovak-air-force-modernisation/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=euro-sd.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
|20 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=ESD Editorial |date=2019-12-13 |title=Slovak Air Force Modernisation - European Security & Defence |url=https://euro-sd.com/2019/12/articles/15540/slovak-air-force-modernisation/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=euro-sd.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}
|}


==Aircraft==
==Aircraft==
===Current inventory===
===Current inventory===
[[File:Sikorsky UH-60 BlackHawk SlovakAF at NATO Days 2023.jpg|thumb|right|Slovak Sikorsky UH-60 BlackHawk]]
[[File:Sikorsky UH-60 BlackHawk SlovakAF at NATO Days 2023.jpg|thumb|right|Slovak Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]]
[[File:SIAF Kuchyňa 2021 (cropped).jpg|thumb|A C-27J on take off]]
[[File:SIAF Kuchyňa 2021 (cropped).jpg|thumb|A C-27J on take off]]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat Aircraft]]
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
|-
| [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]
| [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]
| [[United States]]
| [[United States]]
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]]
| [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16V|F-16V<br>Block 70]]
| [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16V|F-16C<br>Block 70]]
| 2<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovakia-gets-first-new-f-16s-boost-air-defence-2024-07-22/|title=Slovakia gets first new F-16s to boost air defence|date=July 22, 2024|website=Reuters}}</ref>
| 3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovakia-gets-first-new-f-16s-boost-air-defence-2024-07-22/|title=Slovakia gets first new F-16s to boost air defence|date=July 22, 2024|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=D'Urso |first=Stefano |date=2024-01-14 |title=First Slovakian F-16 Block 70 Jets Delivered |url=https://theaviationist.com/2024/01/14/first-slovakian-f-16-block-70-jets-delivered/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref>
| 12 on order<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20868687/cabinet-approved-purchase-of-14-us-f-16s.html|title=Cabinet approved purchase of 14 US F-16s|date=July 11, 2018|website=The Slovak Spectator}}</ref>
| 11 on order<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20868687/cabinet-approved-purchase-of-14-us-f-16s.html|title=Cabinet approved purchase of 14 US F-16s|date=July 11, 2018|website=The Slovak Spectator}}</ref> 5 to be delivered in 2025, 7 in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mader |first=Georg |date=2024-12-17 |title=Slowakei: Tschechien schützt Luftraum auch 2025 |url=https://militaeraktuell.at/slowakei-tschechien-schutz-luftraum-auch-2025/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=militaeraktuell.at |language=de-DE}}</ref>
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
Line 316: Line 341:
| [[Alenia C-27J Spartan|Alenia C-27J]]
| [[Alenia C-27J Spartan|Alenia C-27J]]
| [[Italy]]
| [[Italy]]
| transport
| [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|
|
| 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{cite web|last = Hoyle |first = Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881|title = World Air Forces 2024|publisher= [[FlightGlobal]] |year= 2023 |access-date= 27 December 2023}}</ref>
| 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{cite web|last = Hoyle |first = Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881|title = World Air Forces 2024|publisher= [[FlightGlobal]] |year= 2023 |access-date= 27 December 2023}}</ref>
Line 323: Line 348:
| [[Let L-410 Turbolet|L-410 Turbolet]]
| [[Let L-410 Turbolet|L-410 Turbolet]]
| [[Czech Republic]]
| [[Czech Republic]]
| Transport
| [[Military transport aircraft|transport]]
| [[L-410 Turbolet#Variants|L-410UVP-E]]
| [[L-410 Turbolet#Variants|L-410UVP-E]]
| 6<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 6<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| one used for [[Reconnaissance aircraft|reconnaissance]]
| One used for [[Reconnaissance aircraft|reconnaissance]]
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Helicopters]]
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
|-
| [[Mil Mi-17]]
| [[Mil Mi-17]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[Russia]]
| utility / [[Search and rescue|SAR]]
| [[Search and rescue|SAR]] / [[Utility helicopter|Utility]]
| [[Mil Mi-17#Variants|M/LPZS]]
| [[Mil Mi-17#Variants|M/LPZS]]
| 10<ref name="mi17">{{cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/slovakia-donates-helicopters-to-ukraine|title=Slovakia donates helicopters to Ukraine|publisher=scramble.nl|access-date=2023-12-27|date=2022-06-18}}</ref>
| 10<ref name="mi17">{{cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/slovakia-donates-helicopters-to-ukraine|title=Slovakia donates helicopters to Ukraine|publisher=scramble.nl|access-date=2023-12-27|date=2022-06-18}}</ref>
Line 338: Line 363:
|-
|-
| [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60 Black Hawk]]
| [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60 Black Hawk]]
| [[United States]]
| United States
| utility
| Utility
| [[Sikorsky UH-60#Utility variants|UH-60M]]
| [[Sikorsky UH-60#Utility variants|UH-60M]]
| 9<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 9<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 2 on order<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-31 |title=Dva nové vrtuľníky Black Hawk by mali byť |url=https://dennikn.sk/minuta/2593860/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Denník N |language=sk-SK}}</ref>
| 2 on order<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-31 |title=Dva nové vrtuľníky Black Hawk by mali byť |url=https://dennikn.sk/minuta/2593860/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Denník N |language=sk-SK}}</ref>
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Trainer (aircraft)|Trainer Aircraft]]
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
|-
|[[Aero L-39 Albatros|Aero L-39]]
|[[Aero L-39 Albatros|Aero L-39]]
| [[Czech Republic]]
| Czech Republic
| [[jet trainer]]
| [[Jet trainer]]
| [[Aero L-39 Albatros#Variants|L-39CM/ZAM]]
| [[Aero L-39 Albatros#Variants|L-39CM/ZAM]]
| 7<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 7<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|
|-
|[[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]
|United States
|[[Trainer aircraft|Conversion trainer]]
|[[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16V|F-16D<br>Block 70]]
|1<ref name=":2" />
|1 on order<ref name=":2" />
|-
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]
Line 362: Line 394:
| Assigned to [[5th Special Forces Regiment (Slovakia)|5th Regiment]].
| Assigned to [[5th Special Forces Regiment (Slovakia)|5th Regiment]].
|}
|}
Note: Five [[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk's]] are available through the [[Alliance Ground Surveillance Force|Alliance Ground Surveillance]] (AGS) program based in Italy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alliance Ground Surveillance|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48892.htm|access-date=2023-12-27|date=2023-09-04|publisher=NATO}}</ref>
Note: Five [[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawks]] are available through the [[Alliance Ground Surveillance Force|Alliance Ground Surveillance]] (AGS) program based in Italy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alliance Ground Surveillance|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_48892.htm|access-date=2023-12-27|date=2023-09-04|publisher=NATO}}</ref>


===Retired aircraft===
===Retired aircraft===
[[File:MiG-21 (12891131583).jpg|thumb|Retired [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] of Slovak Air Force.]]
[[File:MiG-21 (12891131583).jpg|thumb|Retired [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21MF]] of Slovak Air Force.]]
Previous aircraft operated include the [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]], [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]], [[Sukhoi Su-17#Variants|Sukhoi Su-22]], [[Sukhoi Su-25]], [[Aero L-29 Delfín|Aero L-29]], [[Antonov An-12]], [[Antonov An-24]], [[Antonov An-26]], [[Mil Mi-2]], and the [[Mil Mi-24]] helicopter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%202033.html |title=World Air Forces 1994 pg. 55 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730014623/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%202033.html |archive-date=30 July 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/08/31/slovakia-retires-mig-29-freeing-fulcrum-jets-for-ukraine/ |title=Slovakia Retires MiG-29 Freeing Fulcrum Jets For Ukraine |date=31 August 2022 |publisher= The Aviationist |access-date= 10 September 2022}}</ref>
Previous aircraft operated include the [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]], [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]], [[Sukhoi Su-17#Variants|Sukhoi Su-22]], [[Sukhoi Su-25]], [[Aero L-29 Delfín|Aero L-29]], [[Antonov An-12]], [[Antonov An-24]], [[Antonov An-26]], [[Mil Mi-2]], and the [[Mil Mi-24]] helicopter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%202033.html |title=World Air Forces 1994 pg. 55 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730014623/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%202033.html |archive-date=30 July 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/08/31/slovakia-retires-mig-29-freeing-fulcrum-jets-for-ukraine/ |title=Slovakia Retires MiG-29 Freeing Fulcrum Jets For Ukraine |date=31 August 2022 |publisher= The Aviationist |access-date= 10 September 2022}}</ref>


Line 393: Line 425:
|-
|-
| [[2K12 Kub|2K12 Kub 2M]]
| [[2K12 Kub|2K12 Kub 2M]]
| [[Soviet Union]]
| Soviet Union
| SAM system
| SAM system
| 5 batteries
| 5 batteries

Latest revision as of 01:29, 18 December 2024

Slovak Air Force
Vzdušné sily Ozbrojených síl Slovenskej republiky
Emblem of the Slovak Air Force
Founded1 January 1993; 31 years ago (1993-01-01)
Country Slovak Republic
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size
  • Approx 3,200 personnel
  • 15 aircraft
  • 18 helicopters
Part ofSlovak Armed Forces
Garrison/HQZvolen
Commanders
Air Force CommanderMajor General Róbert Tóth[1]
Insignia
Roundel
Aircraft flown
FighterF-16V Block 70
HelicopterMil Mi-17, UH-60M
ReconnaissanceL-410UVP-E
TrainerAero L-39
TransportC-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]

History

[edit]

1914–1918

[edit]

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.[14]

Jozef Kiss and Fritz Wowy were two of the best Slovak pilots in World War I.[15]

1918–1939

[edit]
Main article: Czechoslovak Air Force
See also: Czechoslovakia
Aero A.30 light bomber and reconnaissance biplane of the Czechoslovak Air Force

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.

1939–1945

[edit]
Main article: Slovak Air Force (1939-1945)
See also: Slovak Republic (1939–1945)
Messerschmitt Bf 109E of the Slovak Air Force during World War II

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.[16][17][18]

1945–1992

[edit]
Main article: Czechoslovak Air Force
Retired MiG-21R of the 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.[19] 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. [20]

1993–present

[edit]
Retired subsonic jet aircraft Sukhoi Su-25UBK of the Slovak Air Force

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.[21] 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.[22]

Around 2000–2002, Slovakia gradually retired many of the older aircraft, including the entire fleet of Su-22, Su-25, and MiG-21.[23]

In 2004, the flight training academy and national aerobatic demonstration team Biele Albatrosy, both based at Košice, were disbanded.[24][25]

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.[26][27][28][29]

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.[30][31]

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.[32]

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.[33] The first completed jet was unveiled by the manufacturer on 7 September 2023,[34] and first two aircraft were delivered to Slovakia on 22 July 2024.[35]

On April 13, 2022, Slovakia was negotiating with Bayraktar about the procurement of Bayraktar TB2. The negotiations been never formally ended.[36][37][38]

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.[39]

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.[40][41][42] From Short range systems Slovakia was choosing between Piorun, RBS 70,Mistral 3 and KP-SAM Chiron.[43] The systems have not yet been purchased, but negotiations with governments about the acquisition have already begun.[44][45]

On February 7, 2024 Slovakia is comparing NASAMS, IRIS-T,KM-SAM with the winners of the past tender Barak 8.[46]

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.[44][45]

Slovak aid to Ukraine

[edit]

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.[47][48][49] On 31 August 2022, the Soviet origin MiG-29s operated by the Slovak Air Force were retired.[50] 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.[51][52] In August 2022 the decision was yet to be made whether the retired MiGs would be donated to Ukrainian Air Force as military aid.[53]

Slovak air defence aid to Ukraine

[edit]
A retired upgraded multirole fighter aircraft MiG-29AS donated to Ukrainian Air Force

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.[54][55] 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.[56] The military aid included 2 KUB missile launchers, radar, spare parts, 52 pieces of 3M9ME missiles and 148 pieces of 3M9ME missiles.[57]

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.[58][59]

Foreign aid for the Slovak air force

[edit]
The Commander of the Slovak Air Force Major general Róbert Tóth (left) visits the United States in June 2024

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.[60][61][62]

Investigation into Russian sabotage of Slovak MiG-29

[edit]

Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak armed forces General 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 four 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.[57][63]

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 Russian maintenance crews.[64] 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.[65]

Organization

[edit]
Slovak Air Force organization 2024
class=notpageimage|
Slovak Air Force locations 2024:
Air bases: Fighters Helicopters Transport planes
Other units: Air Defense Air Operations Center Radar stations

81st Wing "Sliač Air Base"

[edit]

The 81st Wing Air Base should function as standard base for all fighter aircraft as well as trainer aircraft of Slovak Air Force. But because of reconstruction of the base, all aircraft were relocated to 46th Wing. After the reconstruction of the base is completed, it will again host fighter and trainer jets such as F-16 Block 70/72 and Aero L-39.

46th Wing "Dopravné krídlo Milana Rastislava Štefánika"

[edit]

The 46th Wing is at the moment only active air base of Slovak Air Force that is able to host fighter jets as well as subsonic aircraft. But is meant to be home for all transport aircraft as Alenia C-27J Spartan and Let L-410 Turbolet.[71]

51st Wing "Prešov Air Base"

[edit]

The 51st Wing is the home base for all helicopters of Slovak Air Force, which also includes a helicopter repair company. The air base operates 19 helicopters, 10 Mil Mi-17 and 9 Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks.[72]

2nd Air Force Brigade

[edit]

The 2nd Zvolen Air Force Brigade is the Air Force Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic based in Zvolen. The brigade is a part of the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System (NATINADS).

Tasks:[73]

[edit]
  • performance of Air Policing tasks within NATINAMDS
  • implementation of active command and control of the Air Force of the Slovak Armed Forces
  • collection, processing and distribution of information for the needs of the Air Force Command and higher levels of NATO

11th Air Force Brigade

[edit]

In charge of protecting military objects, critical infrastructure and civilian objects. Anti-air defense systems it fields :

Aircraft armament

[edit]
Name Origin Type Notes
Air-to-air missile
AIM-120 AMRAAM  United States Beyond-visual-range missile 28 missiles were bought.[74][75]
AIM-9 Sidewinder  United States Air-to-air missile 100 missiles were bought.[75]
LAU-127  United States Missile rail launcher 60 launchers were bought[74]
R-60  Soviet Union Air-to-air missile Unknown number in storage[76]
Rocket
S-5 rocket  Soviet Union Unguided missile Used by Mil Mi-17.[77]
Rotary cannons and Autocannons
M61 Vulcan  United States Rotary cannon 15 bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.[74]
GSh-23L  Soviet Union Autocannon Mounted on Aero L-39/ZAM .[78]
Machine guns
M240H  United States Machine guns [79]
General-purpose bomb
Mark 82  United States Unguided bomb 324 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.[74]
JDAM  United States Precision-guided munition 150 kits bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.[74]
GBU-12 Paveway II  United States Precision-guided munition 212 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.[74][75]
GBU-49  United States Precision-guided munition 20 bombs bought for F-16 Fighting Falcon.[80]

Aircraft

[edit]

Current inventory

[edit]
Slovak Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
A C-27J on take off
Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Combat aircraft
F-16 Fighting Falcon United States Multirole F-16C
Block 70 		3[81][82] 11 on order[83] 5 to be delivered in 2025, 7 in 2026.[84]
Transport
Alenia C-27J Italy Transport 2[85]
L-410 Turbolet Czech Republic Transport L-410UVP-E 6[85] One used for reconnaissance
Helicopters
Mil Mi-17 Russia SAR / Utility M/LPZS 10[86]
UH-60 Black Hawk United States Utility UH-60M 9[85] 2 on order[87]
Trainer aircraft
Aero L-39 Czech Republic Jet trainer L-39CM/ZAM 7[85]
F-16 Fighting Falcon United States Conversion trainer F-16D
Block 70 		1[82] 1 on order[82]
UAV
Elbit Skylark Israel UAV I-LEX 5[88] Assigned to 5th Regiment.

Note: Five Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawks are available through the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) program based in Italy.[89]

Retired aircraft

[edit]
Retired MiG-21MF of Slovak Air Force.

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.[90][91]

Air defense

[edit]
Slovak Air Force 2K12 Kub-M2 at SIAF 2017.
Name Origin Type In service Notes
SAM
9K38 Igla2[92] Soviet Union MANPADS 54[44] Portable infrared homing S-to-A missile system. To be replaced.
MANTIS Germany Anti-air artillery 2[93] 2 systems donated by Germany[94] Equipment delivered to the 11th Air Force Brigade.[95]
2K12 Kub 2M Soviet Union SAM system 5 batteries Tracked medium-range surface-to-air missile system.[92] Two launchers with additional equipment were donated to Ukraine in 2022.[57]

Radars

[edit]

The Air Force has several types of radars under its command, including 17 Israeli EL/M-2084[96] in various medium and short range variants. The Air Force also operates 5 long-range LÜR surveillance radars from Germany.[97]

Ranks

[edit]

Commissioned officer ranks

[edit]

The rank insignia of commissioned officers.

NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1
Slovakia Slovak Air Force[98]
Generál Generálporučík[a] Generálmajor Brigádny generál Plukovník Podplukovník Major Kapitán Nadporučík Poručík

Other ranks

[edit]

The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.

NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1
Slovakia Slovak Air Force[98]
Štábny nadrotmajster Nadrotmajster Rotmajster Rotný Čatár Desiatnik Slobodník Vojak 2. stupňa Vojak 1. stupňa

Aircraft markings

[edit]

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.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The appropriate branch of service badge is pinned just under the top button of the for all ranks excluding full General.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Bio" (PDF). www.parlamentnykurier.sk. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2014-02-02. Retrieved 2014-01-24.
  2. ^ "The ambitions of the Slovak armed forces. Theory and reality."
  3. ^ ""Trends in Slovak Republic military spending"" (PDF).
  4. ^ "Východiská strategického hodnotenia obrany Slovenskej republiky 2011"
  5. ^ "I. Plnenie cieľov obrannej politiky SR". Archived from the original on 2013-09-28. Retrieved 2022-05-14.
  6. ^ "Na obranu pôjde v roku 2014 jedno percento HDP" 10 October 2013
  7. ^ "The Military Balance 2014"., February 05, 2014.
  8. ^ ""Biela kniha o obrane SR 2013"" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-04. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  9. ^ "Ozbrojené sily nemajú praktické kroky, tvrdí Martin Fedor". Webnoviny.sk. 30 July 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  10. ^ "CÉROVSKÝ: Ozbrojené sily sú vo veľmi zlej situácii". Webnoviny.sk. 28 May 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  11. ^ "Ročenka MO SR 2012"
  12. ^ "Ročenka MO SR 2013"
  13. ^ "Commander of the Slovak Air Force". Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  14. ^ "Karel Janoušek", Wikipedia, 2023-11-19, retrieved 2024-01-12
  15. ^ Slovensko a Prvá svetová vojna [Slovakia and First World war] (in Slovak). Košice: Klub vojenskej histórie Beskydy, Štátna vedecká knižnica v Košiciach. 2018. pp. 97–104. ISBN 978-80-570-0576-6.
  16. ^ "Hkans Aviation page – The Slovak National Uprising". Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  17. ^ Slovak Insurgent Air Force
  18. ^ List of World War II aces from Slovakia
  19. ^ ed David Oliver, Eastern European Air Power, No 3 in the AFM Airpower Series, Key Publishing Ltd, Stamford, Lincs, 1990–91, p.38-41
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