According to the minister, the Slovenian army will only help out logistically – in transporting equipment and similar things. She added that a government decision was needed for the army to be engaged in the refugee crisis. The Defence Ministry's Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief is already taking part in preparations for the arrival of more refugees.
On the first anniversary of Miro Cerar's government, minister Katič presented the work of the ministry and the tasks it has set for the future.
The Nato center an international success
Slovenia's army helicopters conducted 167 transport flights this year alone. 108 of the flights were mountain rescue operations. The army transported a total of 188 injured or ill persons. The minister also highlighted the use of the Falcon jet for the transport of human organs: "We brought in four hearts and an antidote which could not be found in Slovenia."
The ministry has also started organizing the modular capabilities of the army, which is to intervene in cases of natural or other disasters. First army members are to arrive at disaster sites in 15 minutes. Within 24 hours up to 740 army members are to be ready to offer assistance.
Minister Katič says her ministry has also had some international success. A new Nato Mountain Warfare Excellence Centre has been established in Poljče. The ministry has also joined a project for Balkan medical forces.
Defence Minister Katič said that public tenders for equipping the army were ongoing and that despite their financial limits they have managed to order army uniforms. The purchase of combat equipment, for which the ministry has already set aside 4,3 million euros, will be the biggest investment this year in the Slovenian Armed Forces.
The minister also announced an increase in the defence budget. The budget is forecast to start increasing in the year 2017 by 0,04% of the country's GDP on a yearly basis. According to the minister, the increase in defence spending will enable investments in the equipping and training of the armed forces.
Sabina Janičijević, MMC;
translated by K. J.
