Slovenia's Defense: A Nation Without Real Protection

Slovenia faces a critical deficit in national defense, lacking not only adequate armaments but also a society prepared for wartime.

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Defense, who will love you?

The country's defense readiness is largely theoretical, existing primarily on paper through numerous resolutions rather than tangible capabilities. A recent "secret" test of the nation's resilience during a crisis, triggered by an announcement of fuel supply restrictions, revealed widespread panic. This demonstrated a profound lack of preparedness, suggesting that the nation's defense strategy is more symbolic than substantive.

Experts like Dr. Jelena Juvan from the Department of Defense Studies at FDV question the future of national defense, asking, "Defense, who will love you?" She argues that Slovenia needs a more robust system, including a better-prepared reserve, enhanced protection for critical infrastructure, modern drone and anti-armor capabilities, cyber resilience, and logistical endurance. However, a significant challenge remains: the absence of individuals or a system within Slovenia capable of implementing effective solutions.

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Slovenia does not need the illusion of a large conventional armada. However, it needs a significantly more resilient system: a better-prepared reserve, more effective protection of critical infrastructure, modern drone, anti-armor, and anti-aircraft capabilities, cyber resilience, logistical endurance, and the ability to adapt quickly.

The article criticizes the "forced and incomplete professionalization" of the Slovenian Armed Forces, transforming it into a "company" and leaving security to "everyday" political factions. These political groups have allegedly "taken it out" on the military, leading to a decline in its capabilities. Past "unwise promises" to NATO regarding combat groups, diversion of defense funds, and persistent negative assessments of the military's combat readiness have culminated in a stark admission: the Slovenian Armed Forces cannot defend Slovenia, according to the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces in June 2025. This statement ironically follows a declaration by the Supreme Commander of the Slovenian Armed Forces just a month prior, asserting the military's capability to defend the nation.

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a crow will not peck out another crow's eye

The author dismisses the usefulness of seeking blame in past anti-Yugoslav military legislation or citizens' lack of interest. Similarly, holding defense ministers and high-ranking military officials accountable is deemed futile, as "a crow will not peck out another crow's eye." The article concludes that even the Supreme Commander's positive assessment of the military's combat readiness legitimizes a situation that undermines Slovenia's credibility within NATO. While NATO's defense spending targets may obscure the true purpose of acquiring armaments and military equipment, the current state of Slovenia's defense suggests a critical need for reform and genuine commitment.

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Slovenian Armed Forces cannot defend Slovenia