Slovak Armed Forces Should Have 16,642 Soldiers by End of 2016

Bratislava, February 24 (TASR) – The Cabinet at its session on Wednesday approved an increase in the numbers of members of the Slovak Armed Forces to a total of 16,642 soldiers and 3,977 other employees by the end of 2016.

The numbers will thus be increased by 520 soldiers and ten other employees when compared to what was approved in December 2014. The reason behind the increase is, for instance, an increase in the number of members of the 5th Special Operations Regiment, of the ISTAR battalion and of the command support battalion. The General Staff has also been reorganised.

According to the approved document, by the end of this year troops should have available 58 mine-disposers, nine howitzers, 16 armored cannon howitzers, 17 rocket launchers, 22 tanks, 159 infantry combat vehicles, 12 combat aircraft and 14 multipurpose helicopters.

The increased number of personnel and equipment should suffice for tasks related to Slovakia’s defence and security as well as tasks emanating from obligations that Slovakia has undertaken as a member of NATO and EU, states the document.