Kalinak: Slovak CV9035 MkIV Vehicles Require Specific Storage Conditions

Bratislava/Ornskoldsvik, 22 February (TASR) - For the state of immediate readiness, CV9035 MkIV combat vehicles produced for the Slovak army in Sweden must be stored in specific conditions, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) told the media during the ceremonial presentation of the CV9035 MkIV in the Swedish city of Ornskoldsvik on Friday (20 February). Kalinak explained that the ministry is working to secure technical facilities in time before their arrival. "We are already preparing individual bases for their arrival. Of course, as large and complex as they are, they also have their own prerequisites. For example, an interesting detail is that they must be garaged at a minimum temperature of 17 degrees Celsius," said Kalinak. As he explained, the combat vehicles can also remain outdoors in less controlled environments, but in the event of alert status their preparation would take longer. "There are certain rules. Therefore, they will certainly have garages," he added. The combat vehicles will be assigned primarily to the 1st Mechanised Brigade. "The exact allocation will be carried out by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic," he said. On Friday, international arms manufacturer BAE Systems Hagglunds presented a new version of the CV9035 MkIV combat vehicle produced for the Slovak Armed Forces in the Swedish city of Ornskoldsvik. Slovakia expects the delivery of 152 vehicles, with the first units potentially handed over to the army as early as this year. Dozens of Slovak companies are involved in the production. mf