Gov't: Kalinak to Conclude Contracts with USA for Additional F-16s by Year-end

Bratislava, 9 September (TASR) - By the end of this year Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) is due to conclude agreements with the US government needed for producing and supplying additional F-16 Block 70 aircraft, with the government approving the draft intention at its session on Wednesday. The plan to procure fighters is related to the changing security situation, including in the vicinity of Slovakia's borders. "After assessing the risks, requirements and NATO demands, there's a need to expand the F-16 C/D Block 70 fleet with additional aircraft so that the Slovak Armed Forces can carry out missions and training on their own territory while also providing support as part of EU and NATO operations," stated the Defence Ministry. It noted that in 2018, Slovakia procured its first 14 F-16s, the minimum number required to carry out NATINAMDS, Air to Air and Air to Ground missions on Slovak territory, with a view to potentially participating in operations outside Slovakia as well. The newly procured aircraft meet these standards, are fully interoperable with the equipment of other NATO countries, and are adequately equipped to meet NATO requirements for a modern tactical aircraft. Last year, Slovakia therefore sent a request to the US government to prepare an international agreement for supplying four additional fighter jets with the V4 modification. "Under international agreements, F-16 C/D Block 70 aircraft were supplied with the V3 modification, which was offered at the time when these agreements were being prepared and signed, in 2018. The V4 modification differs from the V3 one in its avionic equipment and certain systems, which are now being produced to reflect technological progress when compared to the original 2018 modification," explained the ministry. Ten aircraft were delivered to Slovakia in stages by 2025, while four are being used to train aircrew in the USA. Their training is expected to be completed and the aircraft delivered to Slovakia in 2028. "Based on a request from the Slovak Defence Ministry in 2025, the US government prepared an offer for supplying four additional F-16 D Block 70 tactical aircraft," said the ministry. ko/df