Current Status
A major reorganization of the Slovenian Armed Forces is currently underway, with the goal of changing it from a territorial defense force into a deployable force primarily aimed at peacekeeping. After 1993, the Slovenian Armed Forces had relied on mandatory military service, with conscripts receiving 6–7 months of training. In 2003, the Slovenian Government abolished conscription and as of July 2004, the Slovenian Armed Forces had been almost completely reorganised into a professional army now based on volunteers. Currently there are approximately 7,600 active troops and approximately 1,700 in reserve, reduced from 55,000 personnel during conscription. The operational units now consist of three brigades, the 1st, 72nd and an Air Defense and Aviation Brigade; all three are subordinated to the Forces Command.
During a press conference on July 18, 2008, the Slovenian defense minister confirmed plans for the acquisition of a Russian Svetlyak class (Project 10412) patrol boat. Displacing 355 (full 395) tons and measuring 49.5 x 9.2 x 2.6 m, the vessel will have a maximum speed of 30 knots and a complement of 24. Armaments include one 30mm AK-630m cannon, two side-mounted 14.5mm MTPU machine guns, 9M120 anti-ship missile system and 16 air-defense missiles type Igla. The ship will be built by Almaz Shipbuilding of Saint Petersburg; delivery is expected in 2010. Total cost of the purchase is said to be $39.4 million, two-thirds of which will be covered by existing Russian debt.
Read more about this topic: Military Of Slovenia
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