President: Middle East Conflict Causing Problems with Arms Delivery Deadlines

Trencin, 30 March (TASR) - All investments in the Slovak armed forces, in modernisation and in developing new systems serve a purpose, pointed out President Peter Pellegrini during a visit to the state-owned Aircraft Repair Company Trencin on Monday, adding that the Slovak armed forces must be capable of protecting the integrity and territorial integrity of the country to the greatest extent possible and of ensuring the safety of the population. "As president of the Slovak Republic and commander-in-chief of the Slovak armed forces, I fully support all modernisation activities of the Slovak armed forces. I very much regret and it's a huge problem that, given the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, the delivery dates for individual weapon systems - which are being purchased not only by us but also by partner armies - are becoming a major issue," he added. According to the head of state, it's problematic when Slovakia has signed contracts that have already been partially fulfilled, including financially, but the delivery dates for individual products are gradually being postponed. "Whether it's 8x8 armoured vehicles or CV 90 light tanks. Given the lack of capacity, we're seeing delivery dates being pushed back everywhere today, which isn't good news for our armed forces, either. I firmly believe that the Defence Ministry will pressure manufacturers to begin fulfilling the contractual terms as soon as possible," he emphasised. According to Pellegrini, in addition to delivery delays, another unpleasant phenomenon may be witnessed: an extreme increase in the prices of all military equipment. am/df