Slovakia to buy 14 US-made F-16 jet fighters
The Slovak government announced on 11 July that it had approved the purchase of 14 US-made F-16 Block 70/72 jet fighters, amid US criticism that NATO members in Europe do not spend enough on defence.
Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said the contract was worth nearly $1.9 billion and included training, ammunition and logistics.
The F-16s are to replace obsolete Russian Mig-29s.
Slovak Defence Minister Peter Gajdos said in a statement on his ministry's website: ‘These are top-quality, modern planes, unrivalled in terms of price, quality and compliance, and in terms of what we can afford as a country.’
The cabinet preferred the F-16s over Swedish-made JAS-39 Gripens.
Gajdos said the deal with the US government was ready for signature, while Sweden wanted to discuss the details only after the government had made the decision.
US President Donald Trump has slammed European allies for not increasing their military budgets, raising tensions at a NATO summit under way in Brussels on 11 July.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”]()
Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”
The returning US president also reiterated a commitment to supply the services with “made-in-America” capabilities and to end conflicts worldwide.
-
![Incoming Irish government backs plans for larger defence force]()
Incoming Irish government backs plans for larger defence force
It has been more than six weeks since the Irish general election. After long negotiations, a coalition of two of the three largest parties and independents has resulted in a Programme for Government (PfG) which will form the basis of a government almost guaranteed to be formed on 22 January.
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
