Slovakia's government has approved the Defense Ministry's long-term plan to modernize and significantly increase the size of its armed forces after the war in Ukraine, AP reported.

According to the plan, Slovakia, with a population of 5.5 million, should have 22,000 troops by 2035, up from 14,100 this year.

Slovakia also plans to buy 228 different combat vehicles and modernize its air bases to be ready to receive U.S. F-16 fighter jets, deliveries of which are due to begin in 2024, followed by other deals to buy new weapons.

The government also reiterated Slovakia's commitment to spend 2 percent of its gross domestic product on the armed forces by 2024.