Within the framework of NATO, the Republic of Slovenia, together with Hungary, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Bulgaria, signed an agreement with which the countries agreed on the establishment of a special operations air task unit (SOATU). There is a need for aircraft to operate in the unit for direct air support. This final paper examines the requirements prescribed by NATO standards for the operation of SOATU, the requirements to be met by fixed-wing aircraft for operation in SOATU and operation in the context of joint precision attacks. It also examines the advantages and disadvantages of using turboprop aircraft for direct air support tasks and some of the conflicts throughout history in which propeller-powered aircraft have been used for direct air support. Finally, it is assessed whether the use of Slovenian Pilatus PC-9M »Hudournik« aircraft for the needs of SOATU would be possible.
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