Czech Republic Signs Declaration to Protect Slovak Airspace into 2025
The Czech Air Force will continue its current role in protecting Slovakia’s airspace under NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS).
On December 11, 2024, the Czech Minister of Defence Jana Černochová and Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák signed a bilateral declaration reaffirming their joint commitment to protect the airspace of the Slovak Republic. The agreement extends the Czech Republic’s mission to safeguard Slovak skies into 2025, highlighting solidarity and shared security within the region.
Strengthening Airspace Protection Amid Security Challenges
The agreement comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Europe. Both nations emphasized the importance of solidarity, good neighbourly relations, and their shared responsibilities within the NATO framework. The Czech Air Force will continue its current role in protecting Slovakia’s airspace under NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS).
As part of this mission:
- The Czech Republic will supply fighter jets and trained crews to ensure rapid responses to any airspace violations.
- Slovakia will act as the host nation, providing critical support such as refueling services, air navigation, and asset protection when needed.
This commitment ensures stability and security while Slovakia transitions to full operational capability with its own modern fighter fleet.
Background: The Evolution of Slovak Airspace Protection
The need for allied support arose after Slovakia retired its MiG-29 fighter jets in September 2022. Since then, Slovakia’s airspace has been protected through cooperation with allied nations:
- Czech Republic and Poland assumed responsibility starting in 2022.
- In July 2023, Hungary joined the mission, resulting in a coordinated Visegrad Group declaration valid until the end of 2024.
The newly signed 2024 declaration extends this commitment, ensuring Slovakia’s airspace remains secure as it works to rebuild its defense capabilities. For similar defense partnerships strengthening NATO's air capabilities, see the Poland and U.S. strengthen F-16 production partnership. Additionally, Poland has also engaged Slovakia in a strategic move to enhance NATO’s eastern flank. Learn more about this cooperation in the Poland-Slovakia agreement for NATO’s East Shield.
Slovakia’s Path to Self-Reliance
Slovakia has made significant progress in modernizing its air defense. It has already received the first two F-16 fighter jets out of an order for fourteen. The third delivery is expected by the end of 2024. However, this fleet is not yet sufficient for full-scale air policing. As a result, Slovakia has requested extended support from the Czech Republic and Hungary to ensure continued security.
This collaboration not only reinforces regional defense but also strengthens NATO’s overarching mission to maintain peace and security across Europe. For more on Europe’s air defense advancements, read about strengthening EU air defense with NATINAMDS and ESSI Sky Shield.
Mutual Defense: A Future of Shared Security
The declaration also highlights Slovakia’s commitment to reciprocate support. Should the need arise, Slovakia has expressed its readiness to assist in protecting the Czech Republic’s airspace in the future. This reflects the strong partnership and trust between the two nations.
Conclusion
The Czech-Slovak Declaration on protecting Slovak airspace demonstrates the unwavering solidarity between these neighboring allies. By extending this mission into 2025, the Czech Republic ensures Slovakia’s security as it builds its own defense capabilities. This agreement serves as a powerful example of regional cooperation, NATO unity, and the shared commitment to safeguarding European airspace.
Großwald
