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Slovakia intends to purchase four F-16V Block 70/72 Viper fighter jets to bolster its air defense following the transfer of its MiG-29 fleet to Ukraine. Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the decision during a visit to the United States, aiming to address defense gaps created by the transfer.

Slovakia has submitted a request for four to eight aircraft, with the U.S. State Department reportedly approving the sale. However, analysts express skepticism about receiving the jets by 2026 due to previous delays and existing production backlogs.