Slovak Armed Forces are showcasing their capabilities at Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF) 2023 at Malacky - Kuchyňa Air Base
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- Date: 02.09.2023
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Defence Minister Martin Sklenár has today opened the Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF) 2023 at Malacky - Kuchyňa Air Base (AB). Whilst the Slovak Defence Ministry is the main partner of the two-day event running throughout the weekend (2-3 September), the Armed Forces have a vital role to play in the airshow, with the Slovak Air Force, Army and Special Operations Forces (SOF) engaging in a wide array of flying displays, live-action capabilities demonstrations, and static ground displays of weaponry and vehicles.
Speaking at the SIAF 2023 airshow, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “Traditionally, SIAF is an opportunity not only for aircraft and military enthusiasts, but also for the general public to familiarise themselves with the capabilities of the Slovak Armed Forces and see first-hand that the defence of our country is in good hands.”
The Slovak Air Force appeared as early as at the opening of the airshow – the opening flypast of a Mil Mi-17 and two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, followed by a two-ship formation of a C-27J Spartan airlifter and an L-39 tactical jet trainer, and the combined SVK AF and SOF Parachute Display team jump from an L-410 transport aircraft gave visitors moments to savour right from the start.
Flying display highlights have included a demonstration of the UH-60M Black Hawk's flying capabilities, 'Bambi Bucket' helicopter procedures, two UH-60M Black Hawks providing close air support (CAS) to Special Operations Forces (SOF) in tactical vehicles in a simulated attack on the ground.
As a novelty this year, the SIAF Demonstration Area is hosting the Slovak Army's platforms on the move, including the ZUZANA 2 self-propelled howitzer (SPH), the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank (MBT), and the Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
In addition, the SVK military has brought wheeled and tracked vehicles such as a medium tank, armoured infantry fighting vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, decontamination vehicles and other combat platforms to showcase at the static display, so the visitors are given the chance to see them all up close.
The Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF) 2023 programme along with the Slovak Armed Forces programme will continue tomorrow on Sunday 3 September 2023.
Speaking at the SIAF 2023 airshow, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: “Traditionally, SIAF is an opportunity not only for aircraft and military enthusiasts, but also for the general public to familiarise themselves with the capabilities of the Slovak Armed Forces and see first-hand that the defence of our country is in good hands.”
The Slovak Air Force appeared as early as at the opening of the airshow – the opening flypast of a Mil Mi-17 and two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, followed by a two-ship formation of a C-27J Spartan airlifter and an L-39 tactical jet trainer, and the combined SVK AF and SOF Parachute Display team jump from an L-410 transport aircraft gave visitors moments to savour right from the start.
Flying display highlights have included a demonstration of the UH-60M Black Hawk's flying capabilities, 'Bambi Bucket' helicopter procedures, two UH-60M Black Hawks providing close air support (CAS) to Special Operations Forces (SOF) in tactical vehicles in a simulated attack on the ground.
As a novelty this year, the SIAF Demonstration Area is hosting the Slovak Army's platforms on the move, including the ZUZANA 2 self-propelled howitzer (SPH), the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank (MBT), and the Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
In addition, the SVK military has brought wheeled and tracked vehicles such as a medium tank, armoured infantry fighting vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, decontamination vehicles and other combat platforms to showcase at the static display, so the visitors are given the chance to see them all up close.
The Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF) 2023 programme along with the Slovak Armed Forces programme will continue tomorrow on Sunday 3 September 2023.
