Defence Ministry Unveils New Army Uniforms and Weapons

Bratislava, 12 December (TASR) – The Defence Ministry has new uniforms and weaponry for Slovak soldiers, with all components supplied by Slovak manufacturers, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) and Chief of the General Staff of the Slovak Armed Forces Daniel Zmeko announced at a press conference on Friday, where they unveiled the new equipment. Kalinak announced that all soldiers will receive the new uniforms over the course of next year. The ministry purchased the fabric abroad, while tailoring services are being commissioned in Slovakia. "The biggest problem with the previous clothing was the buttons. It is always very demanding to choose all the items you are supposed to have available, the individual parts of the uniform itself. That is why we switched to zips and hook-and-loop fasteners to make it functional and meaningful," the minister said. He added that the average cost of a uniform is around €300. In addition, further standard clothing items must be purchased and regularly replaced. The gear also includes a ballistic vest, helmet and night vision device. One variant of the uniform is flame-resistant. "This new uniform has a very important function: to allow a soldier to survive in the field for a long time. For a long time. This uniform will enable that, but the previous one, which I am wearing, unfortunately will not," Zmeko said. He added that the design incorporated all the army's comments. According to the minister, soldiers will also receive new small arms. The ministry will procure assault rifles, sniper rifles and pistols for the Armed Forces. Kalinak said the rearmament will cost approximately €82 million. Deliveries of the weapons will be gradual, with the first expected next year and the final ones in 2028. The currently used model 58 assault rifles will not be phased out, but remain in storage in case of military conflict. mf