A new Slovak deployment could give NATO more than extra personnel, as untested radar technology prepares to face drone threats.
The Slovak government has approved the deployment of up to 101 members of the country’s Armed Forces to strengthen the protection of the airspace of NATO’s eastern flank states. The Slovak contingent will operate as part of the Eastern Sentry mission.
In an explanatory report, Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence said that the participation of its military personnel is intended to strengthen the Alliance’s capabilities in airspace surveillance, early warning, and the development of a common air picture. The contingent will also help support NATO’s integrated air and missile defence system on the eastern flank.
What Tasks Will Slovak Military Personnel Perform?
Once the mandate is approved by parliament, Slovak service members will take part in monitoring the airspace of NATO countries. Their tasks will include:
monitoring the air situation over the Alliance’s eastern flank states;
collecting, transmitting, and sharing radar data;
early detection of potential threats;
creating a common air picture for allies;
carrying out tasks within NATO’s Integrated Air Defence System, NATINAMDS.
Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence stressed that the deployment will also help test the combat readiness and interoperability of the Slovak Armed Forces in a multinational environment. Another expected outcome is stronger deterrence against airborne threats and the fulfilment of Slovakia’s allied commitments.
Poland and Romania are expected to be the main areas of operation for the Slovak contingent.
New 3D Radars to Detect Drones
Following the government meeting, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák said that Slovak military personnel will assist in detecting drone-related threats. New 3D radars are planned to be deployed for this purpose, with Slovak service members responsible for operating them.
We want to test these radar systems in real combat conditions. I believe this will not only help protect the airspace of our allies in Poland and Romania, but will also give us practical experience in using the new capabilities we have.
– Robert Kaliňák
NATO’s Eastern Sentry Mission
The NATO Eastern Sentry mission was launched on September 19, 2025, following a series of airspace violations over the territory of Alliance member states. No final end date for the operation has been set.
On August 24, a drone was detected in Romania after entering the country’s airspace during another Russian drone attack on Ukrainian cities. Slovakia’s participation in Eastern Sentry is expected to strengthen the monitoring of such threats and coordination among allies on NATO’s eastern flank.