Czech, Slovak Militaries Launch Joint Air Patrols, Eye Arms Procurement

Under an agreement signed by the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the countries’ air forces will launch joint air patrols in January. The initiative has been debated for years, but was recently accelerated by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
In addition to air patrols, increased cooperation between the Slovak and Czech militaries will also include special forces operations and military procurements.
Under the plan, the first joint procurements are to include radars and personal weapons for Czech and Slovak troops.
To increase its air combat capability, the Slovak Air Force is also planning to replace its MiG-29 fighter jets with new aircraft. According to senior defense officials, the most likely scenario is the acquisition of Saab JAS 39 Gripen also operated by the Czech Air Force.
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