U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visits Slovakia as a signal of friendship and alliance

Today (17 March 2022), Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď had the pleasure of welcoming Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III to the Slovak Ministry of Defence in Bratislava. Topics of discussion included the reaffirmation of the SVK-U.S. bilateral relationship and the situation in Ukraine and its implications on the Alliance's security.

Speaking at a press briefing, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “This is the first in-person visit by a U.S. Secretary of Defense to Slovakia in 20 years. It is a clear signal of our friendship and alliance. This meeting has given us the opportunity to discuss a whole range of very important issues that are related to the defence of the Slovak Republic as much as to the defence of the Alliance’s Eastern Flank, and also to the situation in Ukraine.”

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin said: “I'm honored to be in Slovakia at this critical moment for European security. And I wanted to be here in person as a sign of our unity, and as a strength of America’s relationship with Slovakia, both bilaterally and as fellow NATO allies. Now as NATO allies, we stand united in support of Ukraine and its right to defend its sovereign territories. We’re committed to helping the brave Ukrainian people as they protect themselves and their freedom from Russia’s unjust and unprovoked invasion.”

On Ukraine, Minister Naď and Secretary Austin discussed the bilaterally and multilaterally coordinated activities to bolster Ukraine's defences. “Ukraine deserves it. The Ukrainian people are defending their country very heroically and responsibly – they need our help and we’ll just give it to them,” Minister Naď confirmed.

While meeting in person, Minister Naď also thanked Secretary Austin for his confirmation of the U.S. contribution to NATO's eFP Battlegroup, which is being stood up in Slovakia these days. “The capabilities they will provide us with are the niche we are currently lacking in the Slovak Armed Forces, and that will strengthen our defence in a significant way. Equally important, the eFP troops are a major step in reinforcing the defence of Slovakia in its history,” he emphasised.

The two defence leaders also addressed the need to deliver on the NATO Capability Targets. In the case of Slovakia, this means a particular focus on the Slovak Army and on development of a heavy mechanised brigade.

Also discussed was the obsolescence of the Slovak Armed Forces' equipment, such as the Soviet-era and Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems and MiG-29 fighter jets. “Provided that we decide to stop operating the MiG-29s, we also talked about the options open to us to fill the gap until the arrival of new F-16s from the United States.” he said.

On the S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems in service with the SVK SBAD units and the potential decision to transfer them to Ukraine, Minister Naď reiterated that the MOD's position remains unchanged – it is not possible to give away the missile defence systems that are currently protecting SVK airspace without receiving adequate replacements.

As part of his official trip to Slovakia, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III also met with Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová and Prime Minister Eduard Heger.