The Security and Defence Department is a fundamental university educational and research centre of the Armed Forces Academy of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik in the area of national and international security and military art. It provides education in the 'National Security and Defence' study programme in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The department is authorised to award Associate Professor and Professor Academic Degrees in the field of 'National and International Security'. It prepares cadets for service in mechanised, artillery, engineer, intelligence, and logistic units.

In terms of research, the department is focused on national security policy. Its scientific activities are aimed at the development of military science and technology. The department also participates in the elaboration, development, and verification of the conceptions and doctrines of the armed forces in the national and alliance environment.