The key modernization projects of the Slovak Air Force (SAF) include the acquisition of F-16 fighter aircraft and the purchase of new air defense systems. According to the latest information, the strategic investments in the modernization of the Slovak Air Force will also include the renewal of its transport capabilities. A proposal submitted by the Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic regarding this project was approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic on November 20. Based on this document, three medium transport aircraft are to be procured, with an option for a fourth.

The Ministry of Defense's document, which highlights the renewal of transport aircraft as a strategic investment, comes a decade after the then-Defense Minister Martin Glváč announced the purchase of two C-27J Spartan aircraft in the fall of 2014. These Spartans, delivered in 2017 and 2018, complemented the existing fleet of L-410s, of which the Slovak Air Force currently operates seven.

According to the Slovak Ministry of Defense, the need to procure new transport aircraft stems primarily from changes in the global security environment since 2020, marked by military conflicts and other crises. Additionally, the current transport capabilities of the Slovak Air Force are insufficient to meet the requirements outlined in the operational plans of the Slovak Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense. Maintenance costs to ensure operational capability in compliance with NATO requirements are also a significant concern. For example, the Ministry estimates that maintaining the two C-27J Spartan aircraft will cost over EUR 266 million (excluding VAT) by 2028. Meanwhile, EUR 5.8 million (including VAT) will be required to maintain the L-410 fleet. The decreasing availability of spare parts further complicates the operation of these aircraft.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Defense plans to procure three medium transport aircraft with an option for a fourth, as well as two twin-engine jet aircraft for medium-distance personnel transport. The C-27J Spartan aircraft will remain in service until the new transport planes are delivered, after which they will be sold, traded, or otherwise disposed of. Meanwhile, the existing L-410 aircraft will continue to be used, with two or three units designated primarily for personnel training.

The specific models of aircraft under consideration have not yet been disclosed. However, one potential option is the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium, a versatile transport aircraft manufactured by the Brazilian company Embraer. Capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes of cargo, the C-390 has a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 km/h). Currently, it is operated by Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, with Austria, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic set to join this list. The Czech Republic signed a contract with Embraer for the delivery of two C-390 Millennium aircraft in late October this year. According to Denník N, citing sources within the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces, the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium would be a logical choice, as these aircraft can also be used to refuel F-16 fighter jets.