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First two F-16s arrive in Slovakia

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

23.07.2024

The first two of 14 Slovak F-16 Block 70s arrived at Kuchyňa Air Base on Monday evening (22 July 2024), ushering in a new era of Slovakia's supersonic aviation. They were welcomed in a ceremony attended by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces Peter Pellegrini, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák, Chief of Defence General Daniel Zmeko, and national and international dignitaries. Representing the USA and F-16 manufacturer Lockheed Martin at the ceremonial event were US Ambassador to Slovakia Gautam Rana and Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin OJ Sanchez.

Heralding the revival of Slovakia's airpower, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák said: "What we started with the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for F-16s in 2018, today we are beginning to conclude with their successful arrival in Slovakia. As well as exemplifying the technological advancements in our Armed Forces, these state-of-the-art aircraft symbolise our unwavering determination to protect Slovakia's sovereignty and keep our citizens and allies safe and secure."

The two single seat F-16 C Block 70s departed from Lockheed Martin's production facility in Greenville (South Carolina) and were flown by U.S. Air Force pilots across the Atlantic all the way to Slovakia, supported by mid-air refuelling. Given that Slovakia was agreed by the parties to the contract as the place of delivery, after touching down on Slovak soil, the F-16s were given Slovak Air Force markings and were officially handed over to officials from the Slovak Government and Ministry of Defence.

As Minister Kaliňák noted, eight Slovak Air Force F-16 pilots have already successfully completed the F-16 Pilot Training Programme (PTP) overseas and are ready to fly the F-16 at home in Slovakia. Another ten pilots are in various stages of training in the United States. Alongside the pilots, there are also technicians who have either graduated from or are still undergoing maintenance training.

According to Mr Kaliňák, the F-16 Block 70 configuration for Slovakia is among the best on the market today. This variant is equipped with the state-of-the-art Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA Radar, which will ensure the aircraft's readiness and ability to respond to various threats in an increasingly complex global security environment. Known for their exceptional agility and precision, in the past these jets have proven themselves in air combat operations all over the world.

The F-16 Block 70 fighter jet, featuring advanced 21st Century Security capabilities, brings the highest standards of airspace security to Slovakia for decades to come. Six years ago, the SVK Government set aside US$1.87bn to purchase 14 F-16s, materiel and training. One more fighter jet will join the Slovak Air Force F-16 fleet by the end of this year, five more in 2025, and the remaining six in 2026.