BAK-12 installation strengthens Slovak partnership

Published July 16, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MALACKY AIR BASE, Slovakia (AFNS) --

commander addresses U.S. and Slovak Air Force service members — U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Bartlett, 435th Air Ground Operation Wing commander, addresses U.S. and Slovak Air Force service members during a handover ceremony at Malacky Air Base, Slovakia, July 10, 2024. Bartlett expressed deep gratitude for the dedication, skill, and hard work both forces provided to enhance operational capabilities and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the United States and Slovakia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty)

Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing completed the installation of a new Barrier Arresting Kit-12 allowing U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa F-16 Fighting Falcons to land at Malacky Air Base, July 10.

The BAK-12 installation demonstrates teamwork by strengthening the Slovak partnership as a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally and emphasizes the importance of initiatives to maintain and reinforce readiness, collaboration, and interoperability, said Col. Matthew A. Bartlett, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing commander.

U.S. Ambassador presents a plaque to Slovak Republic state secretary — Gautam Rana, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Slovak Republic, presents a plaque to Martin Vojtašovič, Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic state secretary, during a handover ceremony at Malacky Air Base, Slovakia, July 10, 2024. The ceremony celebrated the successful installation of a new Barrier Arresting Kit-12, and signified the handover of responsibility of the system to the Slovak AF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty)

A team of 435th Air Ground Operations Wing Airmen, 31st Fighter Wing pilots and the Slovak air force worked together to ensure the successful installation of the BAK-12. The final test to certify the system was successfully performed on July 10, 2024. Following the certification testing, the Slovak AF assumed responsibility for maintaining the new BAK-12 system at Malacky AB during a handover ceremony.

“The BAK-12 system at Malacky Air Base not only enhances our deterrence posture but also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to NATO’s defensive alliance,” said Bartlett. “U.S. forces are ready and postured to integrate seamlessly with Slovak allies and other NATO partners to deter threats and defend our alliances.”

Airmen inspect a Barrier Arresting Kit-12 — U.S. Airmen assigned to the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing inspect a Barrier Arresting Kit-12 following a certification test of the system at Malacky Air Base, Slovakia, July 10, 2024. The 435th AGOW Airmen assisted the Slovak Air Force with the complete demolition, rebuild, and installation of the new BAK-12 system, allowing F-16’s to land at Malacky AB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty)

The new BAK-12 system is a tangible example of how the United States and allies can work together to ensure global security, said Bartlett.

The BAK-12 system and strategic introduction of F-16’s into the Slovak AF fleet reinforces Slovak national security and demonstrates the Slovak dedication to maintaining a robust and modern military force, said Martin Vojtašovič, Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic state secretary.

“This initiative is part of a broader framework of cooperation and partnership with the United States,” said Vojtašovič.

USAFE-AFAFRICA implements concepts such as Agile Combat Employment, which promotes unification with allies and partners to deter, defend and win across the spectrum of conflict. ACE allows the U.S. to work closely with European allies and partners to deliver lethal combat power, remain agile in execution, and strategic in deterrence, said Bartlett.

A cable stretches across the runway — A cable from a new Barrier Arresting Kit-12 stretches across the runway at Malacky Air Base, Slovakia, July 10, 2024. The new BAK-12 system is an example of how the United States and allies can work together to ensure global security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Eve Daugherty)

“This new capability allows Airmen and aircrews to conduct agile combat operations, delivering lethal combat power wherever and whenever needed,” said Bartlett.

Bartlett expressed how this adaptive capability is crucial in today’s dynamic security environment, where the ability to rapidly deploy and sustain operations is essential. Installation of the BAK-12 at Malacky AB adds to the operational agility of the U.S. and Slovak Air Force by allowing F-16’s to utilize Malacky AB.

The BAK-12 is a mechanical barrier that aids in decelerating aircraft when landing. The certification test was performed by a successful pass of an F-16 through the system, bringing the aircraft to a complete stop. Once the F-16 was at a stop, the BAK-12 system and the aircraft were thoroughly inspected.

The 435th AGOW has dedicated significant effort to ensure the BAK-12 system was a success.