The Slovak Republic has taken delivery of its first F-16 Block 70 jet fighters from Lockheed Martin, marking a significant step in the modernisation of its air force and enhancing defence capabilities on Europe’s eastern flank.
The initial batch of two aircraft landed at Malacky Air Base in Slovakia on 22 July 2024, with the remaining 12 jets scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.
The new aircraft are part of a 2018 agreement between Slovakia and Lockheed Martin for the purchase of 14 F-16 Block 70s, valued at approximately $1.6bn. The acquisition aims to replace Slovakia’s ageing fleet of Mikoyan MiG-29s, which were donated to Ukraine last year amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Slovakia has relied on air patrols from neighbouring countries since then, as it awaited the arrival of the F-16s.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini expressed hope that the new jets would contribute to national security. Speaking through an interpreter, Pellegrini stated: "My wish is that all Slovak citizens will feel safe and secure during these turbulent times. May that feeling of security be assisted by these two new aircraft, their pilots, and crew."
