Ljubljana - The Slovenian Armed Forces made visible progress in 2021 in terms of readiness on the back of higher defence spending and staffing improvements, but there are still shortcomings and the force is not yet sufficiently prepared to comprehensively operate in wartime, shows an annual report on the army's readiness presented on Friday.

"The report shows that Slovenian Armed Forces made visible progress, yet this progress is not sufficient to comprehensively operate in wartime," said President Borut Pahor on receiving the report, adding that the army was nevertheless "capable of defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of the country.

Funding has increased and equipment has improved, but "the disparity in this field was such it could not be eliminated in a single step," he said.

The report shows active troop numbers have stopped declining and the reserve force grew slightly, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years but is not yet sufficient.

There has also been insufficient progress in infrastructure, but that is expected to improve after significant extra funds have been allocated for defence spending in the medium term.

"To achieve a high degree of readiness in all circumstances, it will be necessary to invest additional funds and additional efforts to improve the organisation, structure, infrastructure and equipment," Pahor said.

Maj-Gen Robert Glavaš, the chief-of-staff, said the army "is and will continue to be ready to implement its key task - defending the homeland."