On Saturday, 14 June, a ceremony was held at the Jernej Molan Barracks, Cerklje ob Krki to mark the beginning of the international military exercise Adriatic Strike 2025. On the same day, the barracks also hosted an Open Day for visitors. The event was attended by Minister of Defence Borut Sajovic and Force Commander of the Slovenian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Boštjan Močnik, along with other guests.
In his address to members of the Slovenian Armed Forces and representatives of 30 allied and partner countries, Minister of Defence Sajovic emphasized the importance of the exercise, highlighting that despite Slovenia’s modest numbers, the country has demonstrated great knowledge, courage, and dedication. “Our greatest strength is not our equipment, but our people – the members of the Slovenian Armed Forces who defend their homeland with all their hearts,” said Sajovic, the keynote speaker at the ceremony. On this occasion, the Minister awarded the Gold Medal of the Slovenian Armed Forces to the 16th Airspace Control Centre of the Republic of Slovenia, the first Slovenian unit to become part of the NATO structure. The medal recognizes many years of professional work and a commitment to further excellence.
Colonel Janez Gaube, the exercise commander, also addressed the audience. He described the 12th edition of Adriatic Strike exercise not just as a number, but as a symbol of perseverance, trust, and development. It demonstrates that with each exercise, participants grow as individuals, as a military, and as reliable members of the Alliance. “It is a reminder that success is the result of dedication, coordination, and constant readiness to learn and improve. This commitment to excellence is the true strength of the Slovenian Armed Forces and its partners,” said Colonel Gaube, commander of the 15th Military Aviation and Air Defence Brigade.
Around 800 participants are taking part in Adriatic Strike 2025, including approximately 400 members from 30 Allied and partner countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. The training of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) will be supported by seven different types of helicopters from four countries and nine different types of aircraft from nine countries. Seven countries will participate with various unmanned systems. In total, more than forty aircraft will support the exercise in demanding simulations and scenarios folowing Allied standards.
The Jernej Molan Barracks prepared a varied programme for visitors on the Open Day. Attendees had the opportunity to see the equipment and weapons of the Slovenian Armed Forces as well as the static and dynamic displays of aircraft and helicopters participating in the exercise.
More information on the exercise Adriatic Strike 2025 is avaliable on the following link
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