Slovakia welcomed the arrival of the first two F-16 military jets from the United States on Monday, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country's defense capabilities. The delivery, which was originally delayed by two years due to the coronavirus pandemic and a shortage of chips, took place at the Kuchyna air base in western Slovakia.

President Peter Pellegrini expressed his enthusiasm for the arrival of the F-16s, stating that they will "significantly contribute to the increase of defense capabilities of our country." These two jets are just the beginning, as the remaining 12 aircraft will be gradually delivered over the course of the next two years.

The decision to purchase the F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets was made in 2018 under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Pellegrini. The $1.8 billion deal aimed to replace Slovakia's outdated fleet of Soviet-made MiG-29 jets. The grounding of the MiGs in 2022 due to a lack of spare parts and expertise further highlighted the urgency for new aircraft.

In a show of solidarity with Ukraine, Slovakia decided last year to donate its fleet of 13 MiG-29s to help defend against Russia's invasion. This move made Slovakia the second NATO member country to respond to Ukraine's pleas for warplanes. Consequently, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary have been assisting Slovakia in guarding its airspace.

However, the current government, led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, has taken an anti-American stance. Fico's administration has condemned the donation of the jets to Ukraine and even threatened legal action. Fico is known for his opposition to military support for Ukraine and EU sanctions on Russia. On the other hand, President Pellegrini remains a close ally of Fico and supports the decision to provide aid to Ukraine.

The arrival of these F-16 jets marks a significant milestone for Slovakia's defense strategy. With their advanced capabilities and modern technology, these aircraft will bolster the country's ability to protect its airspace and contribute to NATO's collective defense efforts. Slovakia can now look forward to the remaining deliveries and the complete replacement of its aging fighter jet fleet.