Defence Turkey: Shall we start our interview by taking some key facts about the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic? Could you elaborate on the structure, responsibilities and number of personnel serving at the Slovak Armed Forces?

General Daniel ZMEKO: The Slovak Armed Forces (SAF) primarily focus on defending Slovakia and fulfilling international military commitments. They can also support domestic entities during emergencies, as allowed by Slovak law.

The structure of SAF includes the General Staff, led by Chief of Defense General Daniel ZMEKO, which oversees three main directorates: Operations, Strategic Plans, and Support. Each directorate handles various aspects of military planning. At the operational level, the Joint Operations Command (JOCOM) coordinates military actions.

SAF is divided into five main components: Land Forces, Air Force, Special Operations Forces (SOF), Military Medical Command, and the Joint Support Brigade.

The Land Forces comprise two maneuver Brigades, equipped with Soviet-era infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), tanks (T-72M1 and Leopard 2A4), and artillery such as the Zuzana 2 and Zuzana 2000. They also have reconnaissance and engineer units with specialized equipment, including demining vehicles and chemical reconnaissance detectors.

The Air Force consists of two Brigades and three Air Wings. The 2nd Air Force Brigade handles air surveillance, while the 11th Air Defense Brigade is undergoing rearmament with advanced air defense systems. The 81st Air Wing is transitioning from MIG-29 jets to F-16s, and the 51st and 46th Wings operate various transport helicopters and aircraft.

SOF includes Specialized Regiments for airborne operations, training, and capabilities like Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), psychological operations (PSYOPS), information operations (INFOOPS), and CYBER.

The Military Medical Command provides advanced medical care with specialized teams, while the Joint Support Brigade ensures logistical, communication, and maintenance support.

A new Testing and Experimental Regiment focuses on testing weapon systems and conducting operational experiments.

Finally, Slovakia hosts three international military headquarters: the Deployable Communication Module, the Centre of Excellence for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the NATO Force Integration Unit. A new Indirect Fires Centre of Excellence is also planned.

In 2025, the SAF plans to establish a National Defense Force to create, train, and register reserve personnel, enhancing Slovakia's resilience in peace, crisis, and conflict.

Defence Turkey: Shortly after gaining its independence, development of the Slovak defense system was launched and collaboration with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was initiated, and the country become a NATO member on March 29, 2004. Can you elaborate on Slovakia’s integration into NATO? Was the quick adaption of Slovakia’s military affairs to NATO standards surprising? What do you see NATO Membership has gained to Slovakia?

General ZMEKO: Slovakia began its NATO integration efforts soon after gaining independence in 1993, following the peaceful split of Czechoslovakia. The country swiftly focused its foreign policy on Euro-Atlantic structures, joining NATO's Partnership for Peace in 1994 and later the Membership Action Plan in 1999. Slovakia officially became a NATO member on March 29, 2004.

Despite limited resources and inherited structures from the Czechoslovak Army, Slovakia's military adaptation to NATO standards was notably rapid. This included restructuring command systems, adopting NATO-compatible communication, transitioning to a professional military by ending conscription in 2006, and increasing defense spending.

NATO membership brought Slovakia significant benefits, including security guarantees under NATO’s collective defense principle, which strengthened its national security, especially in Eastern Europe. It also boosted Slovakia's military modernization with advanced equipment like F-16 jets and participation in joint exercises. Additionally, Slovakia gained international prestige by contributing to NATO missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Latvia. NATO membership also provided economic and political stability, aligning Slovakia within both NATO and the EU.

Slovakia continues to improve its interoperability with NATO through various exercises, let me just mention the Slovak Shield 2025, Steadfast Deterrence 2025, Toxic Lance 2025 and Toxic Valley 2025. These exercises involve multinational participation, improving defense operations and coordination with NATO allies.

Slovakia also plays a key role in NATO’s artillery systems, hosting the NATO Integrated Capability Group on Indirect Fire. Its artillery systems, such as the Zuzana 2 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH), meet NATO interoperability standards. Moreover, Slovakia’s participation in NATO defense planning ensures alignment between national and NATO defense strategies, contributing to the overall strength of the alliance.

Comparing the capability requirements in the time of joining the Slovak Republic to NATO, currently approved Capability Target Package for Slovakia is much more demanding in quantity and in quality than in 2004. Nonetheless, Slovakia is not an exception; it is likewise for each and every nation in the Alliance.

Defence Turkey: What can you tell about the Slovak Republic’s 2025 defense budget, does it sufficient and can you elaborate on budget target for the 2026? Considering the fact that as a NATO member Slovak Republic has pledged to allocate 2% of its GDP to fund defense spending. So, do you see Slovak Republic’s defense spending increasing sharply during coming years especially after Russia’s war on Ukraine?

General ZMEKO: Slovakia continues investing in readiness and modern, interoperable equipment, with more than 20% of the defense budget allocated to modernization. The 2025–2027 budget was approved in 2024 and reflects a long-term commitment to meet the NATO pledge of 2% GDP spending. A new budget for 2026–2028 is expected in late 2025 and will likely include gradual increases in line with NATO requirements.

Defence Turkey: What projects do you have on modernization of military equipment? Can you list the most important procurement programs of Slovak Armed Forces and the envisaged time frame of realization?

General ZMEKO: Modernization and re-armament projects play very important role especially in light of necessity to enhance capability of the SAF and strengthen of the Eastern flank of NATO. I will just mention some significant re-armament projects currently still in progress.

Land Forces:

CV-90 IFVs (Sweden): 152 tracked vehicles, 2026–2029 delivery.

PATRIA 8x8 (Finland): 76 wheeled IFVs, 2025–2028 delivery.

ZUZANA 2 SPHs (Slovakia): 19 delivered, 6 more planned in 2025.

Leopard 2A4 MBTs (Germany): In use; future MBT procurement planned.

Tactical Vehicles (4x4): 160 vehicles in 2025 with advanced weapon stations.

Air Force:

F-16 C/D Block 70: 5 already delivered; more to arrive by 2027.

3D Radars (Israel): 20 systems, 2025–2029 delivery.

Air Defense:

BARAK MX (Israel): 6 medium-range systems ordered, delivery 2025–2029.

V-SHORAD: Procurement of 36 portable systems and 48 towed units ongoing.

UAVs: Micro to small drones for reconnaissance and maneuver units.

Air Lift:

C-27J SPARTAN: 2 in use, additional transport aircraft planned.

UH-60M Utility Helicopters: 9 in service; 2 more expected in 2026 and 12 more by 2029 with weapons and special operations capability.

Of course, there are many other modernization projects in the following areas: Long-Range Rocket Launchers, C-RAM (Counter Rockets, Artillery and Mortars), Electronic Warfare, Medical and Logistics Support, and Combat Engineering equipment like the BOŽENA 4+ Mine-Clearing Vehicle.

Defence Turkey: What is the domestic defense industry like at the moment? Could you provide some key facts about the military industry of Slovak Republic for our readers? Are there both state-run and private companies in Slovak Defense Industry Sector or 100% of enterprises operating in the defense sector of Slovak Republic are state-run?

General ZMEKO: The Slovak Defense Industry has significantly evolved, shifting from Eastern Bloc standards to NATO-compatible systems. It operates under a mixed-ownership model, combining state-owned enterprises, joint ventures with private companies, and fully private firms.

Key players include the state-owned DMD Group, which encompasses companies like KONŠTRUKTA-Defense, ZVS Holding, and ZTS–ŠPECIÁL. ZVS Holding itself is a joint venture between the state and the private MSM Group, while MSM Group and Kerametal are prominent private players. These companies specialize in producing artillery systems, ammunition, armored vehicles, small arms, and engineering equipment. Notable products include the Zuzana 2 and Zuzana 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzers, the EVA Howitzer, and the BOŽENA Mine-Clearing System. The Slovak Defense Industry also manufactures a wide range of ammunition, such as mortar shells, artillery shells, tank rounds, and rockets.

Slovakia also contributes to the production of the PATRIA 8x8 Armored Fighting Vehicles for its armed forces.

In addition to these, other companies like Aliter Technologies (a Slovak Canadian IT company), Virtual Reality Media (specializing in simulators and training systems), EVPU (remote-controlled turrets and weapon stations), and GrandPower (small arms manufacturer) further diversify the sector.

With the current global security environment, Slovakia has increased its investments in both technological development and production capacity, positioning itself as a reliable contributor to security both domestically and internationally.

Defence Turkey: Slovakia and Türkiye have strong diplomatic ties, and since Slovakia joined the NATO Alliance in 2004, there has been cooperation in military fields. The Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Türkiye and the Slovak Republic was signed on January 20, 2025, in Ankara by President ERDOĞAN and Slovak Prime Minister Robert FICO. During the same ceremony, one of the three agreements signed in the presence of President ERDOĞAN and Prime Minister FICO was the “Military Framework Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Slovak Republic.” What can you tell us about the current state of military cooperation between Türkiye and Slovakia and the goals for the future?

General ZMEKO: The outstanding cooperation between our Armed Forces is based on our countries' common interests, views of the security situation of the current world, as well as the Establishment of the Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Türkiye and the Slovak Republic. I greatly appreciate most recent opportunities for strengthening of our cooperation, particularly participation in courses and exercises organized by Türkiye or participation of Turkish soldiers in courses and exercises organized in Slovakia.

I would like to underline the contribution of Turkish Armed Forces to support of the NATO's Deterrence and Defence Posture by participation in the Multinational brigade in Slovakia. This kind of support underlines the unity of NATO, strengthens the Alliance, and moreover fosters a united spirit within the NATO.

Another successful example, from the training point of view, I would like to highlight the development of the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) capability, which began in 2020, as one of the important areas of cooperation between the Slovak Republic and Türkiye.

The cooperation between the Slovak Republic and Türkiye in the field of JTAC training represents a significant achievement in the field of military education and interoperability within NATO. The Slovak Republic took part in establishing the internationally accredited JTAC School of the Turkish Armed Forces in Konya.

The primarily goal for the future is to continue the cooperation of our Special Operation Forces, especially in the field of the JTAC domain to sustain and develop this unique capability.

Defence Turkey: How do you evaluate the current state of Slovakia-Türkiye cooperation in defense field? What do you think could be done to increase the level of this cooperation? What is you forecast for the future?

General ZMEKO: Slovakia-Türkiye defense cooperation is strong, built on shared security interests and aligned views on global challenges. Türkiye’s advancements in air defense systems like SUNGUR, HİSAR, and KORKUT offer promising opportunities for collaboration, particularly in developing Slovakia’s multi-layered air defense system. These systems have proven operational relevance, and Slovakia could benefit from Türkiye’s expertise, including in air defense training.

Slovakia also appreciates Türkiye’s support for the future NATO Indirect Fires Centre of Excellence, where Türkiye’s expertise will be crucial. Slovak F-16 pilots were invited to participate in ANATOLIAN EAGLE 2025, although the participation was canceled due to other training commitments.

In the context of NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Eastern Europe, Slovakia hosts one of the multinational battle groups, with Türkiye contributing troops. These groups are evolving into brigade-level units, strengthening the partnership and defense posture in the region.

To increase cooperation, further joint training and shared technology, especially in air defense and indirect fires, could enhance mutual capabilities.

Defence Turkey: In April 2022, the then Slovak Minister of Defence Jaroslav NAD revealed that they had entered into talks with Türkiye regarding the procurement of  BAYRAKTAR TB2 Armed UAVs; however, no new developments have occurred in this matter over the past three years. Is Slovakia still interested in BAYRAKTAR TB2 or other Turkish-made Armed UAVs?

General ZMEKO: The development of unmanned aircraft is very dynamic nowadays. We are currently analyzing all offered UAV projects in order to be able to define the comprehensive capability of MALE-type UAV providing also other capabilities such as reconnaissance, Loitering Munition control, Electromagnetic Warfare, etc. However, first and foremost we need to start training personnel on simple UAVs and adopt national legislative regarding flying UAVs. The role of newly established testing and experimental regiment in SAF to test UAVs available in the defense market is indispensable.

Defence Turkey: Would you like to add anything in the way of a message for our readers?

General ZMEKO: At the end, I would like to emphasize the utmost importance of cooperation between NATO countries to ensure the safe environment for civilians which is the primarily goal of every armed forces.

Defence Turkey: Dear Chief of the General Staff of the SAF, thank you for sparing your valuable time to our readers