On 14 November, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini attended a command assembly of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (AF SR). In his speech, the Commander-in-Chief of the AF SR supported the modernisation of the Slovak army and highlighted the role of soldiers in protecting and ensuring the security of the republic. The President also described the Slovak defence industry as an important industrial sector contributing to the country's economic development.

Defence and security are receiving a great deal of attention as a result of current world events. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, most European countries have changed their view of the development of their armed forces and the military in general, as clearly demonstrated by the increasing expenditure on armaments. The Slovak Republic is no exception. Recently, the Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces, President Peter Pellegrini, expressed his views on the Slovak army, its role in society, modernisation projects, and the development of the Slovak defence industry.

At the recent command assembly of the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces in Bratislava, Peter Pellegrini reminded attendees that well-trained and materially secure armed forces must be among the country’s priorities. This requires investment in training, infrastructure, and modern military equipment. According to the President, it is important to continue stabilising military personnel and expanding the force. Members of the Slovak army have long ranked the Slovak Armed Forces among the most trusted institutions in the eyes of the population.

In his speech, Peter Pellegrini also commented on the Slovak defence industry. According to him, it currently contributes three percent to the Slovak GDP, develops the economic potential of individual regions across the country, creates new jobs, and contributes to the development of the Slovak Armed Forces' capabilities. The arms industry was also a topic during the Slovak President’s recent visit to Azerbaijan, where he held talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, as part of the COP29 climate summit. During bilateral discussions, President Pellegrini expressed interest in deepening defence cooperation between the two countries, transferring technology and know-how to the Caucasus country, and establishing joint Slovak-Azerbaijani defence enterprises.

Defence must be a priority

One can only agree with the President's assertion that developing the Slovak Armed Forces and strengthening the nation’s security must be priorities for any government. The readiness of the armed forces is a key means of deterring potential aggressors and strengthening the security not only of Slovakia but also of the entire North Atlantic Alliance. Over the last few years, the Slovak army has received much-needed attention, and successive administrations have been working to address the debt incurred toward the army since 1993. This is evidenced by numerous modernisation projects already underway or under negotiation. Examples include the delivery of 8x8 wheeled armoured fighting vehicles, F-16 fighter aircraft, the acquisition of CV9035 MkIV tracked infantry fighting vehicles, and ongoing negotiations for new air defence systems, NG3 trucks, or testing 4x4 armoured vehicles.

The revival and strengthening of the Slovak defence industry, both domestically and internationally, cannot go unmentioned. Slovak companies have been involved in modernisation projects not only for the Slovak army but also internationally. Recently, the Slovak defence industry achieved success in Malaysia, where the local army chose EVA M2 howitzers. Slovak Zuzana 2 howitzers are also aiding Ukraine’s defence efforts. Another positive factor is the investments defence companies are making in their own facilities.

In recent months, new production halls and lines for manufacturing large-calibre ammunition have been opened in Nováky and Snina. Large-calibre ammunition is one of the most in-demand items in the military market, and Slovakia is consolidating its status as an important NATO ally. This is yet another reason why, as President Pellegrini has stated, defence should be a priority for the entire society.