Slovakia has entered a new chapter in its supersonic aviation capabilities with the arrival of the first two F-16 Block 70 jets from Lockheed Martin. These advanced aircraft touched down at Kuchyňa Air Base near Malacky, heralding a significant upgrade in the Slovak Air Force’s operational capacity. The welcoming ceremony was attended by several high-profile figures, including the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Robert Kaliňák, President Peter Pellegrini, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, General Daniel Zmeko, and other distinguished domestic and international guests. The two single-seat F-16 Block 70 aircraft, designated “C,” made the transatlantic journey from Greenville, South Carolina, where Lockheed Martin’s factory is located. The jets were flown by U.S, pilots as per the contract stipulation that the aircraft must be delivered to Slovakia on its soil. Upon arrival, the jets were handed over to the Slovak side, complete with Slovak insignia.
Minister Kaliňák highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating, “What we began in 2018 with the signing of the contract for the delivery of F-16s, we are now completing with their successful arrival in Slovakia. These modern aircraft are not only an example of the technological advancement of our armed forces but also symbolize our unwavering commitment to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the security of the citizens of Slovakia and our allies. Eight Slovak fighter pilots have successfully completed their training overseas and are now ready to serve in Slovakia. Additionally, ten more pilots are in various stages of training in the USA. The pilots are supported by technical personnel from Slovakia, who have either completed or are currently undergoing training to maintain these sophisticated aircraft.”
In 2018, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Slovakia of F-16 Block 70/72 V configuration aircraft for an estimated cost of $2.91 billion. The Slovak Republic has requested a possible sale of F-16 F110 General Electric or F100 Pratt & Whitney engines; M61 A1 Vulcan 20mm Guns; APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radars; LINK-16; 16 LN260 EGI Embedded Global Positioning System Inertial Navigation Systems; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (MDE); AIM-120C7 air-to-air missiles, AIM-9X air-to air missiles; AIM-9X Captive Air Training Missiles, AIM-120C7, 24 AIM-9X additional guidance units; 224 each Computer Control Groups and Airfoil Groups for GBU-12 Paveway II 5001b Guided Bomb Kits; Enhanced Computer Control Groups for Enhanced Paveway II (GBU-49); KMU-572F/B Guidance Kits for Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) 5001b Guided Bomb (GBU-38); LAU-129 Guided – Missile Launchers; MK-82 or BLU-111 500 lb Inert Fill Bomb; MK-82 or BLU-111 500 lb Bomb Bodies; FMU-152 Joint Programmable Fuzes; and AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Pods.
The F-16 Block 70 variant for Slovakia represents the pinnacle of what is available on the market today. Known for their exceptional agility and precision, these jets have proven their effectiveness in numerous combat situations worldwide. This version is further enhanced with state-of-the-art radar systems, ensuring their readiness and ability to respond to diverse threats in an increasingly complex global security environment. The acquisition of the F-16 Block 70 aircraft signifies Slovakia’s commitment to maintaining high standards of airspace security well into the next decade. The government allocated $1.87 billion for the purchase of 14 fighters, including materials and training. Following the arrival of the first two jets, an additional aircraft is expected to join the fleet by the end of the year, with five more arriving in 2025 and the remaining six in 2026.
