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Defence Minister Martin Sklenár after meeting U.S. Ambassador Gautam Rana: We are continuing our intense cooperation on modernisation projects for Slovak Armed Forces

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

23.08.2023

Defence Minister Martin Sklenár received the Ambassador of the United States of America to Slovakia, His Excellency Gautam Rana, at the Slovak Defence Ministry in Bratislava today. This meeting also provided an opportunity to officially welcome the new U.S. Defense Attaché to Slovakia, LTC Joshua Passer.

During his meeting with Ambassador Gautam Rana and LTC Joshua Passer, Defence Minister Sklenár reaffirmed Slovakia's interest in continuing its intense bilateral cooperation with the United States of America as Slovakia's strategic partner on Defence and Security.

Highlighting the U.S.-SVK strategic partnership, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: "In these days, as we commemorate the 55th anniversary of the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pact armies, this contrast of the past and the present is a telling opportunity to appreciate a truly valuable alliance."

The meeting was dominated by the themes on the bilateral agenda, especially the modernisation of the Slovak Armed Forces' defence infrastructure and equipment, in which the USA has played a significant role.

On the ongoing modernisation programmes with the USA, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: "Today, the Slovak Republic and the USA are working closely on a number of key projects that will strengthen the capabilities of the Slovak Armed Forces, and hence the defence capability of Slovakia. One of them is the historically largest modernisation project of the Slovak Armed Forces - the procurement of 14 F-16 fighter jets."

Also discussed was Slovakia's procurement of 160 Oshkosh 4x4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to be financed through the U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. There is yet another major project in progress. Earlier in July, Slovakia submitted a request for price quotation (RPQ) to the U.S. Government for twelve AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, along with the precise specification of requirements, associated accessories, pilot training, etc.

Defence Minister Sklenár also praised the U.S. contribution to the NATO Multinational Battlegroup Slovakia, which he considers to be a strong demonstration of solidarity and a practical step towards strengthening NATO's eastern flank.