Regional Security and Modernisation Efforts

Comparative Analysis of the V4 Air Forces

Abstract

The study explores the air forces of the Visegrád Group within the broader framework of regional security studies, focusing on their modernisation efforts and strategic importance in Central and Eastern Europe. Emphasising the interplay between national defence priorities and collective NATO goals, the study examines defence spending, procurement trends and operational capabilities. The research seeks to assess how the modernisation of the V4 air forces contributes to regional stability and to what extent disparities in readiness and capabilities influence collective security. Using a comparative analysis based on the Military Balance + and SIPRI databases, the study evaluates current force structures and procurement trajectories. The findings reveal significant differences in modernisation levels, with Poland leading in both scale and diversity, while Slovakia faces pronounced capability gaps. The study argues that air power serves as a vital element in maintaining regional stability, particularly considering escalating geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict. It also underscores the need for enhanced coordination among the V4 countries to address shared security challenges and strengthen their collective defence posture. This analysis contributes to the discourse on regional security, highlighting the critical role of air force modernisation in fostering resilience and ensuring stability in Central and Eastern Europe.