security and at the same time lessens their ability to flexibly perform tasks particularly related to the preparation for their mission, the ability to perform tasks related to Slovakia’s commitments in NATO and the EU, but also concerning operations and missions abroad. For these reasons our efforts in the upcoming years will be focused on maintaining and perhaps enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces, along with gradually improving their overall readiness. The expected end-state are well equipped and well trained Armed Forces with enhanced capabilities and interoperability with allied forces. Maintaining combat capabilities and overall battle-worthiness of the Armed Forces, and also their ability to perform set tasks without fundamental shortfalls and limitations will require a conceptual approach to capability development. This will require the drafting of a long-term Armed Forces development plan, as well as adopting effective measures for the preparation and implementation of development projects of major military equipment. The requirements of operational readiness and interoperability of the Armed Forces with allied forces demand comprehensive training – both national and international. That is why, besides outfitting the Armed Forces with modern equipment living up to current standards, I consider ensuring high quality training as especially important in order to improve combat capabilities, as well as to forward the overall transformation of the Armed Forces. In the upcoming years we will continue with the intensity and improvement of training focusing on collective defence of Slovak territory according to Art. 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. As the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic I believe that the intentions of this document will have a considerable influence on capability development of the Armed Forces. For this to happen, it is necessary for these intentions to be transformed into tangible deeds, which must not only have the support of the political leadership, but a sufficient allocation of resources. If this occurs, this document will be a relevant basis for the drafting and implementation of strategic and planning documents of the Armed Forces development, which will in the end bring about the achievement of the set aim of increasing the responsiveness and the war-fighting ability of our Armed Forces. General Milan MAXIM Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC 9