Kalinak: Defence Ministry to Focus on Road Infrastructure in Dual-use Projects

Bratislava, 30 December (TASR) – In the area of dual-use projects, the Defence Ministry would like to focus in 2026 on basic road infrastructure, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) stated at a press conference on Tuesday. "I am glad that in cooperation with the Transport Ministry and the Environment Ministry we have found a suitable option for linking the Zvolen bypass and connecting the R1 and R2 expressways. As the Defence Ministry, we are also interested in taking part in the expansion of further sections of the R2 towards Kosice. We would also like to launch a project of a motorway connection between Kosice and Michalovce," Kalinak said. At the press conference, he defended major infrastructure projects undertaken by the current government, including the reconstruction of the former Hviezda dormitory in Bratislava, a building known as Kukurica (the Maize). He rejected criticism from the opposition and some media regarding the alleged overpricing of the contract, which was said to have been caused by the chosen architectural approach and furnishings. He stressed that the project corresponds with the vision of the original team of architects and is based on the specific features of the building and its layout. Kalinak also highlighted that if such projects are to serve in the long term, quality must not be compromised. "If we want to deliver tangible results to Slovakia, for every such initiative we must want it to be of high quality," he declared. Kalinak also briefly commented on the arrival of three more F-16 fighter jets in Slovakia on Tuesday. He believes that after the fleet is expanded to ten aircraft, Slovakia could gradually take over the protection of its airspace on its own during the first half of the year. However, he pointed out that it is necessary to have not only enough pilots but also mechanics and support personnel, who must undergo adequate training in the United States. He also confirmed that after the reconstruction of the Sliac airport by the end of 2026, fighter jets should be relocated there from the Kuchyna airport near Malacky in 2027. The Defence Minister was also asked about a statement by Prosecutor-General Maros Zilinka and his initiative to turn to the Constitutional Court over an amendment to the Criminal Code. Kalinak respects the prosecutor-general's right to do so, but said he himself is curious what exactly the motion will concern. If it's about the credibility of cooperating defendants, Kalinak is confident such a requirement is in line with the Constitution. "A request that cooperating defendants must not lie is a completely fundamental principle," he noted. mf