Warsaw, Poland — Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence is considering purchasing four additional F-16 fighter jets to the 14 already ordered, following the decision to cancel the acquisition of 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters with AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles. The first two of the 14 F-16 fighters were delivered in January, and more are expected by the end of the year. The total aircraft contract is valued at around $800 million, and the Cabinet is contemplating adding another order for four jets, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák.
This potential purchase is seen as a way to compensate for the previous government’s decision to donate MiG-29 fighters and 2K12 Kub anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine. There is a debate over the necessity of the additional F-16s, with some arguing for a focus on acquiring new helicopters for the Slovak military instead. Previous Defense Minister Jaroslav Naď expressed concerns that the new aircraft purchase may not meet the military’s needs and could cost more than the helicopter acquisition. Naď emphasized the importance of buying what the military requires, not what politicians may personally prefer.
Prime Minister Robert Fico has been critical of Ukraine aid and campaigned on a platform to end military assistance to Kyiv. He was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt in May but has since returned to public activities. The political environment in Slovakia is characterized by debates over defense procurements and military aid decisions.
