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Slovakia Receives Its First F-16 Block 70

Our Bureau - : Jul 23, 2024 - : 4:09 am

Lockheed Martin and the Slovak Republic have announced the arrival of the first F-16 Block 70 jets in Slovakia, signalling a significant advancement in European air defence. These fighter jets will enable Slovakia to protect its airspace and enhance security cooperation with European allies.

To date, the company has produced five of the latest variant of F-16 jets for Slovakia, with the remaining nine currently in production. All 14 aircraft are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.

“Slovakia is at the forefront of adopting Europe’s most advanced 4th Generation fighter, the F-16 Block 70. These jets not only represent a stronger alliance between Slovakia, the United States, and NATO allies, but also equip the Slovak Air Force with advanced capabilities to face 21st Century Security challenges,” said OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.

“As Slovakia has now joined the ranks of nations operating the F-16, a benchmark NATO fighter, they bolster their defence capabilities and readiness for NATO operations,” he added.

The F-16 Block 70 jets feature the Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA Radar, advanced avionics, an extended structural service life of 12,000 hours, and critical safety features such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). Since its introduction to the U.S. Air Force in late 2014, Auto GCAS has been instrumental in saving 13 pilots across 12 F-16 incidents, demonstrating the aircraft’s exceptional safety and performance standards.

Lockheed Martin currently has a backlog of 128 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, South Carolina, with 12 jets delivered to international partners so far. Earlier this month, the company delivered its 4600th F-16, underscoring the aircraft’s enduring relevance over five decades.

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