tností - IDEB – MEDZINÁRODNÝ VEĽTRH OBRANNEJ TECHNIKY ...

Despite the existing internal funding deficit,
can we expect any shift in the capabilities
development of our Armed Forces? In which
particular areas?
The deficiencies in the long-term capabilities
development plan are also reflected in
the current, critical state of the SVK Armed
Force’s transformation, particularly in the
implementation of procurement and contract
awards. The lack of resources, their
instability, poor resources management and
rigid procurement system combine to significantly
cripple the longer-term continuity
of the MOD’s development plans. There is
a threat of losing the critical capabilities of
the SVK Armed Forces. Nevertheless, I expect
that our common efforts will allow us to fund
at least some development projects, such as
the introduction of the Land Rover Defender
vehicle into the inventory of the SVK Armed
Forces, the upgrade of the Mi-17 helicopter
to the SAR variant, or further work on the
MOKYS system.
In this context, let me point out one very important
option for building capabilities –international
cooperation. The SVK Armed Forces
have so far benefited significantly from bilateral
cooperation with the United States and
France, but, personally speaking, I can see
great potential in expanding regional cooperation
within the V4 countries. A recent meeting
with representatives of the Czech Army suggests
that there is real potential for forging our
close cooperation in the tactical field through
pooling and sharing as well as there is room
for possible joint acquisitions of missing critical
capabilities, for instance, radar systems.
What and in what way will the SVK Armed
Forces display at this year’s IDEB 2012 in
Bratislava?
The IDEB 2012 International Defence
Equipment Fair provides space for presenting
the results of the SVK Armed Forces’
modernization, readiness to execute missions
in Slovakia and as part of NATO and EU
ROZHOVOR / INTERVIEW
international commitments. The Slovak MOD
will display static exhibits representing MOD
agencies, present dynamic demonstrations involving
service personnel and military police.
Static exhibits will be displayed in Hall B0,
with a total interior exposition area of 2,214
m2. Heavy military vehicles will be displayed
in the exterior polygon area. The MOD will be
represented by all operational headquarters
(Land Forces, Air Force, Training and Support
Forces), 5th Special Purpose Regiment, Office
of SVK Armed Forces Chief Medical Officer,
National EOD Centre, SVK Armed Forces
Topographical Institute, and other MOD
agencies.
The SVK Armed Forces will participate in the
side events of IDEB 2012 by staging dynamic
demonstrations for experts and lay public,
twice during the first (VIP) day on 2 May 2012
and during the festive opening ceremony at
10.00 a.m.
The Land Forces will demonstrate minefield
clearance, using the Bozena IV mine-clearance
system, the RM vehicle and the MV MODULAR
with a container. The Slovak Air Force will conduct
a flypast with three MiG-29 and three
L-39 aircraft. If the weather holds, a Special
Forces unit will execute a helidrop from the
Mi-17 helicopter. And we will also demonstrate
how to unfold and fold the 5P85DU
launcher and 2 x 5V55UDM missiles. The
Training and Support Forces will be represented
by the Honour Guards and the SVK Armed
Forces Band. Also, they will demonstrate how
to operate the T-815-7 MULTILIFT and the
FLATRACK system, and exhibit the Tatra 815-
7 truck with a refuelling tank capacity of 5.3
m3. For the MOD’s top representatives, high
political authorities and foreign delegations,
there will be conference rooms in the MOD’s
main exhibition stall, offering administrative
support and refreshments.
Thank you for the interview.
Interviewed by Ján Begala
Photo: Ján Begala, Miroslav Gyűrösi,
Milan Vanga
IDEB EXCLUSIVE 2012 23