AS MANY as 660 soldiers from 14 NATO countries and two countries of the Partnership for Peace are taking part in the MACE XVI air combat exercises in Slovakia, the TASR newswire reported on September 29.
The exercises will help train participants to overcome air defence systems by using tactical aircraft in conditions of radio-electronic interference, and will also involve air combat practice for fighters. The training will simulate the most difficult conditions for using tactical aircraft in modern conflicts.
“I think this is further proof that we can do such a big exercise with which we take part in international structures,” said Defence Minister Martin Glváč, as quoted by TASR.
All the air equipment is being looked after by the airbase in Sliač, with the command located in Zvolen and the ground equipment stationed at the training facility at Lešt (all in Banská Bystrica Region).
Apart from Slovakia’s MiG-29 fighters, F-16 jets (from Belgium, Denmark and Norway), DA-20 Falcons (Norway), Learjet 40s (Germany), RAFALEs (France), Gripens (Sweden), EA 18Gs (USA), C 130Js (Denmark) and Typhoons (Spain) are also taking part.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
