The installation of the Italian tactical air defense system SAMP/T, which will replace the American Patriot system, is currently being completed in the premises of the 46th Wing at Kuchyňa. The entire battery rotation process will take place in such a way that the continuity of the strengthening of Slovakia's air defense is not disturbed in any way.
In both cases, these are medium-range air defense systems, which thus have comparable operational performance. The SAMP/T system represents a total of more than 100 pieces of equipment, which will be operated by up to 150 members of the Armed Forces of the Italian Republic. The Italian contingent - soldiers together with equipment took up positions in the premises of the 46th wing of Kuchyňa, where the official handover of the mission between the American Patriot battery and the Italian SAMP/T battery took place today during the start-up ceremony.
"I see this deployment as a strong and unequivocal proof of the readiness and willingness of NATO member countries to ensure our common defense and security. Regardless of the questions about the length of the operation - the allies clearly declare support and strengthening of our capabilities for as long as it will be necessary," emphasized the Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic Jaroslav Naď.
At the same time, he reminded that personnel and equipment rotations are a natural part of operations not only within NATO's multinational battle groups, but also units operating in international crisis management, including Slovak ones. The reasons can be different - for example, maintenance, as in the case of the American battery with the Patriot system moving to the place of its permanent deployment in Germany.
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