Air International 2017-10
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A.Mladenov, K.Grozev - Total Renewal /Military/
The upgrades on the MiG-29 fleet had no real impact on the aircraft’s overall combat capabilities as the Fulcrum’s original 1980s-era sensors and weapons remained unchanged.
The Slovak Air Force has a fighter force of 12 Fulcrums, including ten single-seaters and two two-seaters, tentatively slated to remain in service until the end of decade.
All 12 Slovak Fulcrums were upgraded and overhauled by February 2008. The modernisation featured both Russian and Western equipment.
The first Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk for the Slovak Air Force on the production line.
Slovakia’s jet trainer is the L-39ZA, but the type also has a second­ary ground attack capability.
The seven-strong L-410 fleet is set to be complemented by a pair of Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical transports.
The Mi-17 MODER is an armed assault helicopter used in the close air support role thanks to its capability of using up to six 32-round 57mm rocket packs and UPK-23-250 gun pods.
High-visibility markings denote the four upgraded Mi-17LPZS Hips tailored for peacetime SAR operations.
Nine Mi-17s will continue in service until at least 2020 - the fleet consists of five Mi-17Ms and four Mi-17LPZS.
Slovakia was the first country in Europe to get true Westernised MiG-29s sporting NATO-standard communication, navigation and IFF equipment, but the logistics support proved to be a serious challenge.