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First F-16 Block 70 fighter jet with Slovakia's national emblem makes first successful flight

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

30.09.2023

The first of 14 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to be delivered to the Slovak Air Force made a successful first flight out of Lockheed Martin's production facility in Greenville, South Carolina, September 29, 2023. "The aircraft's test flights are expected to be completed in the next several weeks, and this jet will then be used to support on-the-job maintenance training for Slovakians in the U.S., before arriving in Slovakia next year."

Welcoming the news of the first Slovak Air Force F-16's inaugural flight, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár said: "The aircraft is highly sophisticated with a suite of intelligent systems and components, which must function reliably under all conditions. The smooth completion of the first test flight is great news. I believe that with this one and all the other aircraft, our pilots will see extensive and successful service in protecting Slovakia, with as many safe landings as take-offs."

Slovakia will be the first European country to receive today's latest version of the Fighting Falcon. "The integration of this proven and powerful platform will allow the Slovak Air Force to effectively safeguard its borders and partner with allies across Europe, NATO and the world," said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.

According to Director General of the MOD Modernisation Department and National Armaments Director Michal Homza, the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Slovakia represents a comprehensive and systemic solution to delivering a replacement for its fighter jet capability, which is consistent with the rules of the modernisation processes and NATO and EU standards. "Only by operating a modern and functional supersonic aviation fleet can we undertake the tasks of defending and protecting Slovak airspace as well as the tasks of the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS)," he explained.

According to the current official agreement, deliveries of F-16s to the Slovak Air Force will commence in the second quarter of 2024.