Lockheed Martin has unveiled the first modernised fourth-generation F-16 Block 70 fighter for the Slovak Air Force

On 6 September 2023, Slovak Defence Minister Martin Sklenár visited the Lockheed Martin plant in South Carolina. Here, the first F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft for the Slovak Air Force was unveiled.

Here's What We Know

The Slovak delegation, which included pilots, was able to familiarise themselves with the modernised fourth-generation fighter. The F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon is to be finalised and the first flight will take place at the end of autumn.

The contract for the purchase of the F-16 Fighting Falcon was signed in 2018. Slovakia will be the first European country to receive a US fighter jet upgraded to Block 70.

Bratislava has ordered a total of 14 aircraft. Deliveries will begin in the second quarter of next year. The first batch will consist of two fighters. In addition to the F-16 Block 70, Slovakia ordered AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The deal was worth $1.8bn.

The F-16 level Block 70/72 (Viper), aka F-16V, is equipped with an active phased array radar. The AN/APG-83 radar was developed by Northrop Grumman and is a replacement for the AN-APG-80 used in Block 60 aircraft.

The F-16V has a new flight computer and Link 16 communications system in its armoury. The latter innovation allows the aircraft to exchange information with fifth-generation fighters and Patriot missile defence systems.

Source: Slovak Ministry of Defence