President of the Slovak Republic Visits the NATO EOD Centre of Excellence

The NATO Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of Excellence (NATO EOD COE) was honoured to host a distinguished guest, the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini. Upon arrival, the President was formally welcomed by Major General Ivan Balog, the Land Forces Commander and the Commander of Trenčin Garrison, alongside Colonel František Mihalovič, Director of the NATO EOD COE. The official program commenced with an in-depth briefing by Colonel Mihalovič, who outlined the Centre’s strategic mission, vision, tasks and the long-term objectives of the NATO EOD COE.

The visit continued with a presentation by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hugyar, focusing on the specialized educational and training activities which the Centre provides to NATO and PfP personnel. Following these discussions, the President solidified the significance of the visit by signing the Centre’s Book of Honor.  A significant highlight of the day was the presentation of the ETACS project, a cutting-edge training tool that utilises virtual reality and 3D models to prepare operators for the complex task of neutralising explosive hazards. The President demonstrated a profound interest in this innovative technology, engaging in an insightful and dynamic dialogue with the Centre’s subject matter experts regarding the practical application of these digital tools in modern defense operations.

The NATO EOD COE expresses its sincere gratitude for the President’s visit and his recognition of the Centre’s work. This high-level engagement serves as proof of the importance of the EOD mission and provides further motivation for personnel as they continue to advance safety and excellence in explosive ordnance disposal on a global scale.

Text: NATO EOD COE - IKM

Photo: Jaroslav LACKO (SVK-CIV)