The parliamentary delegation visited the Cerklje ob Krki airbase as part of its regular briefing on defence operations and situation. They were given a presentation of the 15th Air Force Regiment and briefed on the project to upgrade the airbase, Defence Minister Roman Jakič told the STA.

The ongoing project to renovate and develop the airstrip is being co-funded by NATO, whose contribution tops 60%. Most recently a contract has been signed to construct a EUR 8.3m apron to serve transport aircraft, a project fully financed by NATO.

The MPs learnt that the national budget for the coming two years, to be passed by parliament next week, would enable the Armed Forces to meet all their commitments and duties at home and abroad.

But the minister also told the visiting delegation that the military fleet and other equipment belonging to the army and civil protection units was getting worn out and that a reflection should be made over the next two years how to renew it. The money for that would not be available in the next two years.

Defence Committee Chair Franc Jurša agreed that the air force's equipment was relatively old and that funds would have to be secured to maintain its capabilities in the near future. He said that cost-cutting in defence and civil protection could not continue indefinitely.

Apart from the minister, the delegation was also received by Chief of the General Staff Dobran Božič and 15th Air Force Regiment Commander Bojan Brecelj.