Hope: Pandemic of F-16 fighter production! Will it endanger delivery for Slovakia?
Pandemic of the COVID-19 disease of the temporary production of F-16 fighter aircraft.
The Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic Jaroslav Naď (OĽaNO) informed about it. As the head of the Ministry of Defense explained, the pandemic situation had a temporary impact on staff and the supply of Lockhe Martin’s plant. For now, however there is no slip in the production of fighters for Slovakia.
Today, the Minister personally controlled the progress of aircraft production for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic) in the American city of Greenville, South Carolina, and discussed the establishment of a strategic partnership. “I can confirm that the company Letecké opravovne Trenčín cooperates very intensively and communicates with the company Lockheed Martin, which should lead to a specific project that will be signed between the two,” said Naď. He also wants to follow the issue on Thursday, October 28, during talks with the United States Department of Defense Lloyd James Austin III at the Pentagon. The Slovak delegation and the US negotiations also include representatives of Trenčín Air Repairs in the United States.
Aerial Trenčín repair shops could start with F-16 fighters for example, when servicing, repairing or grounding aircraft. “Another area concerns the more complex production of components. This should come with other partners of Lockheed Martin and jointly create a company directly in Slovakia, “added Jaroslav Naď.
minister too thanked Lockheed Martin officials for donating $ 150 million for the Central Military Hospital SNP in Ružomberok in response to the fire hospital two weeks ago. The head of the Ministry of Defense also announced further support from the American partner, which should relate to funds for the Military History Institute.
The Ministry of Defense has agreed to purchase new fighters in the summer of 2018. The Armed Forces will have a total of 14 F-16 C / D Block 70 fighters at their disposal. Their delivery is scheduled for 2024.. The aircraft was procured through the US government-government program. The basic contract was signed for about 1.6 billion euros. The first seven fighters should arrive in Slovakia in 2023.