The Slovak Air Force has received two more new F-16C (V) Block 70 fighter jets.

The country’s defense ministry announced this.

The planes arrived at the Kucina air base on April 2, bringing the total number of F-16s in the Slovak fleet to five.

“With the arrival of two more F-16 fighters, we are strengthening the defense of the Slovakian skies. We believe that we will soon assume full responsibility for protecting our airspace,” Robert Kaliniak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, stated.

The planes arrived in two stages: first, they flew across the Atlantic to the Morón airbase in Spain and then headed to Slovakia.

They are currently undergoing certification and training to perform tasks in the country’s air defense system, which is expected to take place in the summer.

To date, seven trained pilots are participating in flights and aircraft certification. Six more will complete their training in the United States this year, after which they will begin to perform flight training tasks together with trained ground personnel.

The Bulgarian Air Force recently received its first F-16D(V) Block 70 fighter jet.

The Slovak Air Force will receive a total of 14 F-16V Block 70 fighters to replace the outdated MiG-29s.

The €1.58 billion contract with Lockheed Martin was signed in December 2018. It includes not only the supply of aircraft but also the training of 22 pilots and 160 ground service officers and soldiers.

The production of fighter jets will continue until 2025, providing Slovakia with modern capabilities in air defense and participation in international operations led by NATO.

The first F-16 for Slovakia passed flight tests in September 2023. The first two aircraft were transferred to the Slovak Air Force in January 2024 but remained in the United States for pilots to master. They arrived in the country in July 2024.