F-16 Remains the Belle of the Ball Despite her Age

Now that the Falcon is a hot commodity, interested aviation nerds have watched the allocation of new production aircraft, seeing Lockheed work through its backlog of customers for the latest iteration of the F-16 Falcon.

The first Slovakian Block 70 Falcon was delivered in early September, shown off in some very orthodox (i.e. boring) F-16 livery. The delivery follows a year-long delay from the intended handover date in 2022, timelines stretched by the usual rationals of logistics and pandemic responses. Slovakia is the first in Europe to obtain the top-of-the-line F-16, bolstering their defensive posture with a capable, proven performer.

“These F-16s will enable the Slovak Air Force to stay ahead of threats in the region, and be part of the allied mission in Europe, NATO and around the world,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president, Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “This jet represents the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin, the United States, the Slovak Republic and allies.”

The new Falcon arrived just in time to bolster the Slovakian Air Force, who handed over $1.6 billion in older MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine earlier this year. Those jets tended to be older and pretty rough, lending credence to the idea they’re intended more as parts planes than frontline-ready fighters. 

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com