Slovak Air Force Acquires First Global 5000 to Modernize Fleet

The Slovak Air Force has received its first Global 5000, marking the beginning of its fleet modernization effort. The aircraft, valued at $23.2 million, is the first of two Bombardier Global 5000 jets sourced from United Wings International in the U.S., replacing five of the seven aging Let 410 turboprops, according to ch-aviation research.

The 12.5-year-old aircraft, previously operated by Aurora Jet Partners, was ferried from Montréal Trudeau to Bratislava on February 18, 2025. Configured for 12 passengers, it was the last Global 5000 in Aurora Jet’s fleet. The second aircraft (9H-AVA, msn 9633) is expected to arrive soon, replacing another Let 410.

The acquisition follows a 2024 Ministry of Defence proposal aimed at enhancing air transport capacity, military operations, and crisis evacuations. To finance the new jets, five Let 410s will be sold, while two will remain in service.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák stated that extended groundings of the Alenia C-27J and Let 410 obsolescence prompted urgent action, citing logistical challenges during a recent Beirut operation.

Currently, Slovakia’s government flights are handled by the Ministry of Interior’s Slovak Government Flying Service, which operates two ACJ319-100s and two F100s. Plans are in place to transfer government flights to the Air Force and replace C-27Js with three KC-390s under a January 2025 Letter of Intent.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com