Ukraine bolsters air force with Slovak MiG-29s, Bratislava plans F-16 replacement
Fighter jet (Photo: armyinform)
Bratislava plans to strengthen its national air defense system following the transfer of Soviet-era fighters to Ukraine. This involves additional purchases of modern American aircraft, although the timing of their potential delivery remains uncertain, according to Defense Express.
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F-16V purchase following the MiG-29 transfer
Slovakia is considering acquiring four more F-16V Block 70/72 Viper fighters. The decision follows the transfer of the country’s entire MiG-29 fleet to the Ukrainian Air Force, creating gaps in the national defense system.
Prime Minister Robert Fico announced plans to expand the air fleet following his visit to the US.
According to Defense Industry Europe, Bratislava has submitted a request to deliver between four and eight aircraft, aiming to receive them as quickly as possible.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliňák reported that the sale had been approved by the US State Department, but no public information has yet appeared on DSCA platforms.
The announcement has sparked discussion among experts, some of whom suggest the initiative could be aimed at deepening cooperation with Washington amid shifts in the security situation in Central Europe.
Delivery timelines in question
Analysts at Defense Express point to risks of delays. Under the 2018 contract, Slovakia waited more than five years for the delivery of 14 aircraft, instead of the planned four.
Additionally, Lockheed Martin’s production lines remain busy with orders from other countries, including Taiwan.
Experts suggest that statements about rapid deliveries may refer to the completion of previous orders rather than entirely new aircraft.
Ukrainian drones are planned to be equipped with reconnaissance SAR radars from the French company Harmattan AI. These systems will allow surveillance and data collection regardless of weather conditions or time of day, significantly expanding aerial reconnaissance capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands reported a potential ability to hack the software of American F-35 fighters, although experts remain skeptical about the practical feasibility of such access.
