Slovakia received its initial two F-16C/D Block 70 multirole fighters. In 2018, Bratislava ordered 14 F-16s from Lockheed Martin. Currently, the aircraft (an F-16D with two seats and an F-16C with one) are based in the United States, where Slovak pilots and technicians are undergoing training.
Slovakia acquired twelve single-seat F-16C and two two-seat F-16D aircraft, ammunition, and comprehensive operational support for 1.6 billion EUR. The sum includes logistical support and service for two years (as part of a two-year warranty), in addition to providing training for 160 ground personnel and 22 pilots. In 2019, training commenced for the initial Slovak F-16 pilots. The pilots successfully obtained both the lead pilot qualification and the fundamental combat qualification. They will also complete an instructor course in the United States. The second pilot’s training commenced in 2021 and culminated in attaining the lead pilot and fundamental combat qualifications.
Providing training in the United States is a significant benefit associated with acquiring American tactical supersonic aircraft. Pilots are instructed in air-to-air combat, close air support (CAS), air interdiction (AI), and fundamental air defence suppression duties during the basic combat course. Refuelling during flight is essential. Consequently, upon their return from retraining, new pilots in the United States Air Force are capable of prompt deployment to combat units within months or, in critical situations, weeks (confirmed through practice). Pilots of our or Hungarian descent may perceive this degree of training as remarkable, especially compared to the modest Swedish Air Force.
In 2022, Slovakia anticipated receiving its first four planes. However, the Slovak F-16 programme is over a year behind schedule due to the relocation of production from its manufacturing centre in Fort Worth, Texas, to a new facility in Greenville, South Carolina, and supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
F-16 deliveries to Slovakia will continue through 2025.
Greenville is slated to manufacture 135 F-16s for clients hailing from Bahrain, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Taiwan, and South Korea. In addition, eight additional F-16s have been requested in the form of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA) by Bulgaria. Also under contemplation is the delivery of several dozen F-16s to the Turkish Air Force.
F-16 Block 70 has a structural lifetime of 12,000 hours, an increase of roughly fifty per cent compared to earlier F-16 models. Given the present production rate of the F-16, their operational lifespan could extend to 2060 or even 2070.
