Optimizing Armed Forces Capabilities for Hybrid Warfare – New Challenge for Slovak Armed Forces

• Main Author: Peter PINDJÁK
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Institute for Aerospace Research “Elie Carafoli” - INCAS 2015-09-01
• Series: INCAS Bulletin
• Subjects: hybrid warfare; irregular conflict; capabilities; kinetic operations; information operations
• Online Access: http://bulletin.incas.ro/files/pindjak_vol_7_iss_3.pdf

The paper deals with the optimization of military capabilities of the Slovak Armed Forces for conducting operations in a hybrid conflict, which represents one of the possible scenarios of irregular warfare. Whereas in the regular warfare adversaries intend to eliminate the centers of gravity of each other, most often command and control structures, in irregular conflicts, the center of gravity shifts towards the will and cognitive perception of the target population. Hybrid warfare comprises a thoroughly planned combination of conventional military approaches and kinetic operations with subversive, irregular activities, including information and cyber operations. These efforts are often accompanied by intensified activities of intelligence services, special operation forces, and even mercenary and other paramilitary groups. The development of irregular warfare capabilities within the Slovak Armed Forces will require a progressive transformation process that may turn the armed forces into a modern and adaptable element of power, capable of deployment in national and international crisis management operations.