The Slovak Armed Forces and the Indiana National Guard have worked together through the State Partnership Program (SPP) since 1994. This Program links U.S. states with partner countries around the world to promote access, increase military capability, improve interoperability and enhance the principles of responsible governance. Rather than U.S. soldiers training other nations’ soldiers, partnership events involve the sharing of concepts, ideas and lessons learned.

In the last three years over 500 soldiers from the Indiana National guard have participated in large-scale exercises held in Slovakia and in other Visegrad 4 countries, while Slovak soldiers have travelled to Indiana to participate in training events, exercises, and briefings. Additionally, Slovak soldiers have attended Indiana National Guard drills to familiarize themselves with how a reserve military force conducts its missions. Recently, the rotary-wing aviation units of both partners have conducted numerous events in support of Slovak acquisition of UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.