Slovak Air Force

Slovak Air Force
Vzdušné sily Ozbrojených síl Slovenskej republiky
Emblem of the Slovak Air Force
Founded1 January 1993 (1993-01-01)
Country Slovak Republic
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size
  • Approx 3,200 personnel
  • 20 aircraft
  • 22 helicopters
Part ofSlovak Armed Forces
Garrison/HQZvolen
Commanders
Air Force CommanderMajor General Róbert Tóth
Insignia
Roundel
Aircraft flown
FighterF-16V Block 70
HelicopterMil Mi-17, UH-60M
ReconnaissanceL-410UVP-E
TrainerAero L-39
TransportC-27J, Let L-410

The Slovak Air Force, known since 2002 as the Air Force of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Slovak: Vzdušné sily Ozbrojených síl Slovenskej republiky), is the aviation and air defense branch of the Slovak Armed Forces. Operating 15 aircraft and 18 helicopters from three air bases : MalackyKuchyňa, Sliač, Prešov. It succeeded the Czechoslovak Air Force together with the Czech Air Force in 1993. The Slovak Air Force is part of NATO Integrated Air Defense System – NATINADS.

The Slovak Air Force is tasked with the defense of the sovereign Slovak state and the support of the nation's ground troops. Following the retirement of the Mikoyan MiG-29 in 2022, 7 L-39 Albatros provide the fast-jet capability role to the air force, awaiting the delivery of American F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in 2024. 6 Let-410 Turbolet aircraft provide surveillance and transport capabilities, while 2 C-27 Spartan transports provide a light tactical airlift capability. The helicopter fleet consists of 9 Mil Mi-17, gradually being replaced by the UH-60 Black Hawk.

The Slovak Air Force has been under the command of Major General Róbert Tóth since January 1, 2021.