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Two of the 14 ordered American F-16 Block 70 fighters arrived at Malachi-Kučnia Air Base directly from across the Atlantic on Monday evening. The Slovak fighters took off from the United States and flew non-stop for 9 and a half hours.
July 22, 2024 20:15 , Updated: 22:50
photo: Pravda, Ivan Majeski
An F-16 fighter jet lands at Kuchina Airport.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the flight from the United States to Slovakia was provided by American pilots. Before landing, both planes flew over the airport and passed through a “Gate of Glory” built of fire extinguishers.
The machines appeared in the sky just after 8 p.m. and immediately performed a low-level flight over the runway.
“Glory to the motherland,” Armed Forces Chief Pellegrini greeted the soldiers.
Pellegrini said he was pleased that we were getting closer to completing the process that the government launched in 2018.
Former Defense Minister Peter Gaydos, who was head of the department when the contract with the United States was signed, attended the ceremony.
Pellegrini stated that the Slovak Republic is receiving the best quality aircraft, the most advanced machines, which will allow us to better cooperate with NATO.
The maintenance requirements of the MiGs were increasing, so they decided to buy new machines in 2018. The President admitted that for him as a pilot the landing of the F-16 on Slovak soil was an emotional moment. He thanked the allies for protecting the airspace.
Pellegrini stressed that there are only a few countries in the world that have F-16s, and he hopes pilots will spend their time training with the fighter jets rather than in intense combat.
The president said the fighter jets were a commitment to the Slovak people, protecting them from threats.
Defense Minister Kaliniak thanked Pellegrini and Gaidoš. He said the decision to buy fighter jets has proven to be important today, even though it was not easy at the time.
The minister praised the real estate and infrastructure department for completing the hangar renovation in nine weeks. According to him, 34 technicians will be responsible for maintaining the aircraft.
U.S. Ambassador Gautam A. Rana handed over the symbolic key of the fighter jet to Robert Kaliňák.
Rana said Slovakia is acquiring the most modern machines and that the purchase will help the Slovak Republic strengthen its defense capabilities. “Warriors make Slovakia a stronger country,” he said.
The US Ambassador welcomed the pilots to Slovakia and congratulated Slovakia on its 20th anniversary of joining NATO. “Long live the partnership and cooperation between Slovakia and the United States”, Rana concluded.
“This aircraft is a privilege,” said pilot Lt. Col. Peter Grego.
These fighters should be stationed in Kučina until the reconstruction of Sliach Airport is completed.
Slovakia signed a contract for 14 US-made F-16 C/D Block 70 fighter jets at the end of 2018. Due to the impact of the epidemic, the delivery of the aircraft was delayed.
Slovakia officially received the first two fighter jets from the United States at the end of February this year. Both aircraft were used to train Slovak technicians before arriving in Slovakia. The third fighter jet will arrive in Slovakia at the end of this year.
read more New era of supersonic aviation: First two F-16 fighters arrive in Zahori (Q&A)
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