Slovakia Receives First Two F-16 Block 70 Jets, Marking First in European Defense

Lockheed Martin announced the successful delivery of Slovakia’s first two Greenville-built F-16 Block 70 jets on July 22. The Block 70 jet is Lockheed’s most-advanced iteration of the F-16 jet. Slovakia is the first country in Europe to receive this latest iteration, marking a significant milestone in European defense.

Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which shares a border with Slovakia, the delivery of the F-16 Block 70 jets comes as a strategic move to bolster Slovakia’s defense capabilities. The two jets were delivered to Slovakia as part of an order for a total of 14 jets from Lockheed Martin.

A Slovakian defense delegation visited Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville for an unveiling ceremony of the first two fighter jets. Slovakian defense minister Robert Kaliňák expressed the country’s commitment to regaining its security with the help of the advanced F-16 Block 70 jets.

Lockheed Martin has been ramping up production capabilities at its Greenville facility to meet the demand for fighter jets. The company has delivered 12 Block 70 jets to international partners, with Slovakia being the latest recipient. The remaining nine jets of the Slovakian order are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

With Slovakia joining the ranks of nations operating the F-16 Block 70, a benchmark NATO fighter, the country enhances its defense capabilities and readiness for NATO operations. The delivery of the advanced jets to Slovakia marks a significant step in strengthening European defense in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Lockheed Martin’s Greenville facility continues to play a crucial role in supplying advanced fighter jets to allies around the world. The company’s dedication to excellence in production has positioned Greenville as a key hub for the manufacturing of cutting-edge aircraft.

As Lockheed Martin fulfills its commitments to international partners, the Greenville facility remains at the forefront of innovation in the defense industry, supporting global security efforts through the delivery of state-of-the-art fighter jets.