There are three Patriot batteries in Sliač. They were also seen by the presidential visit – Home – News
German and Dutch soldiers have been working in Sliač for several weeks as part of the strengthening of NATO’s eastern wing. There are a total of 370 of them. Among other things, they operate three Patriot batteries. One consists of 80 vehicles and 150 people.
Čaputová and Steinmeier arrived at the Sliač base shortly before 6 p.m. They greeted the soldiers, inspected the logistics center, and stopped at the Patriots. The company was also made for them by the Minister of Defense Jaroslav Naď (OĽaNO).
VIDEO: Slovakia showed Patriot.
“As the saying goes, he knows a friend in a difficult moment. This situation was caused by the illegal invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine. That is why our abilities, which we had weakened, were necessary, “Čaputová said in a short statement. “Thanks to our partners from the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and others, we have our security much stronger than before,” she added.
He confirmed that we have four Patriot batteries in Slovakia. One of them is in the Kitchen and three in Sliač. There are also soldiers from Germany and the Netherlands – along with logistics, radar system and command security.
“It’s amazing how fast we were able to bring the systems together. Not only within the base, but towards the command of the North Atlantic Alliance and thus ensure also to state the defense and security of Slovakia, “the minister. He underlined that this is an dissimilar protection of the Slovak “sky” as it has ever been in our country. “Plus we still have migs and subsonic albatrosses. Then comes, instead of migs, another system – F-16, F-35, maybe Gripen or a combination, “he said. It is said that it will soon be whether the MiGs will go to Ukraine. “We are far from being at the stage of an agreement with the Ukrainians or a discussion on this topic,” he says.
He clarified that there are still several Russians in Sliač who serviced MiG-29 fighters. “They do not operate non-stop at the airport, but live in privacy in the city. I hope that while we still fly on these machines, they will be able to keep us airworthy. But it is a growing problem, “he said. They plan to use these fighters until an alternative comes.
“I believe that we will announce in the near future how the protection of our airspace will be ensured,” Naď continued. He does not know whether the Czech Republic or Poland will protect him. “I did not go to such selections of individual countries. Maybe it will be a joint initiative within the alliance, or we will follow the path of an individual agreement. We have various options on the table, “he said. He also reminded that Sliač Airport will soon undergo a massive reconstruction. Therefore, you will have to, within the infrastructure, look for an alternative at the airport in the Kitchen. “Or the planes taking care of our airspace would take off from the surrounding countries,” he explained, adding that they were also considering everything with experts from the alliance.
The Minister clarified that the operation of NATO troops in our country is officially approved by the parliament for six months, they are expected to be longer. They are likely to extend this mandate. “It all depends on the situation in Ukraine and the surrounding area. We are talking about at least one year, but personally I think the Patriots will be longer, “he added.
The Presidents of Slovakia and Germany stand behind Ukraine
The president has been in office in the East metropolis all week. Therefore, Čaputová received the German president on Wednesday before visiting Sliač in Košice’s historic town hall.
The two presidents held joint talks, in which they agreed on the need to help provide military service as well. Steinmeier confirmed that the European Union is behind Ukraine and will continue to do so. According to him, the signal that Russia is locked and that European democracy is strong is also important.
“You may be wondering why the German president comes to the same country in eight months. The answer is quite simple. Germany and Slovakia have very popular and friendly relations. If presidents understand each other as well as we do, then it’s two quite naturally. But the reason is Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine, “said the German president, who met with Chaputova at the beginning of last September.
VIDEO: The German president passed through Košice.
Both countries are facing the consequences of the war in Ukraine, and this is a refugee crisis. Approximately 300,000 detainees from Ukraine have crossed our borders and 70,000 of them have remained in Slovakia so far. “I am very proud of the attitude of the citizens of the Slovak Republic in terms of their generosity and acceptance of people who are in need and need help leaving their home,” said the Slovak president. The German president thanked the Slovaks for helping the refugees. Together with Zuzana Čaputová, they also met with civic organizations that help Ukrainians after lunch.
The heads of both states also talked about Ukraine’s potential candidate status in the European Union. The President confirmed that Slovakia supports Ukraine in this regard.
Čaputová also thanked her for providing soldiers who will operate within the advanced presence of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Slovakia. In the early evening, both presidents traveled to Sliač, where members of the German Armed Forces also serve. On this occasion, the President thanked the President for providing the Patriot air defense system.
The presidents agreed that they added a halt to gas supplies from Russia would be a violation of the rules. “As the European Union, we do not agree with breaking the rules, so we will continue to pay in euros,” said Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The Slovak president stated in this matter that we have a valid agreement with Russia and that there is no danger of an immediate shutdown of gas supplies. “However, Russia is a visible partner, so we must be prepared, as up to 80 percent of the gas comes to us from this side. Today, however, we have secured gas heating for the household for the entire next heating season, “stated Čaputová.