Slovakian F-16 Block 70 successfully completed its inaugural flight on September 29th in Greenville, South Carolina, as announced by Lockheed Martin. In April 2018, the U.S. State Department approved an estimated $2.91 billion sale of 14 F-16 Viper aircraft to Slovakia, along with an extensive list of equipment, munitions, support and training,
On September 29th, at 9:30 a.m. EST, the maiden flight of the Slovakian F-16 Block 70 took place at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina. Test pilot Ryan ‘Cujo’ Blake successfully conducted various system tests to confirm performance and supersonic capabilities during the flight.
“The Slovak Air Force is taking significant steps forward with the capabilities of the F-16,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group, Lockheed Martin. “The integration of this proven platform will allow the Slovak Air Force to effectively safeguard its borders and partner with allies across Europe, NATO, and the world.”
Lockheed Martin has received orders of F-16 Block 70 from six countries, totaling an official backlog of aircrafts.
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Umair Aslam is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Defense Insight. He has worked as a defense journalist reporting on military modernization programs, defense industry, arms procurement, and emerging technologies.
