Slovakia and Lockheed Martin Celebrate the Arrival of F-16 Block 70 Jets, Pioneering a New Chapter in European Air Defense
During a ceremony today at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville facility (NYSE: LMT), Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Kaliňák, along with distinguished representatives from both the United States and Slovakia, celebrated the delivery of Slovakia’s inaugural two F-16 Block 70 aircraft. This occasion heralds a new chapter in European aerial defense, highlighting the strengthening alliance between the two partner nations. The F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft will enable the Slovak Republic to once again secure its airspace using its own resources.
The two aircraft, comprising a single-seat C-model and a dual-seat D-model, will remain in Greenville for essential maintenance training. This preparation is vital for Slovak Air Force personnel to ensure the seamless integration and efficient operation of the F-16 fleet. Additional jets are expected to be completed by 2025, with the first set of aircraft projected to land in Slovakia by mid-2024.
OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the strategic significance of this milestone: “Slovakia is leading the charge in adopting Europe’s most sophisticated 4th generation fighter, the F-16 Block 70. These aircraft not only symbolize a fortified alliance between Slovakia, the United States, and NATO allies but also enhance the Slovak Air Force with advanced capabilities to confront 21st Century Security challenges.”
Sanchez further noted: “As Slovakia joins the ranks of nations operating the F-16, a reference NATO fighter, they enhance their defense capabilities and readiness for international operations. With 11 additional Slovak F-16s currently in production and testing, we are dedicated to providing a total of 14 cutting-edge jets, further cementing our partnership.”
The F-16 Block 70 aircraft feature the Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA Radar, advanced avionics, an extended structural service life of 12,000 hours, and crucial safety measures such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). Since its integration into the U.S. Air Force in late 2014, the Auto GCAS has played a critical role in saving 13 pilots across 12 F-16 incidents, showcasing the aircraft’s unmatched safety and performance standards.
Lockheed Martin currently has a backlog of 133 F-16 Block 70/72 jets scheduled for production in Greenville, with seven jets delivered to-date for international partners.
