Slovakia to buy four additional F-16s from US

The Slovak government has approved the purchase of four additional F-16 fighter jets from the United States.

According to Report, citing Denník N, the US administration estimates the cost of the four aircraft at €390 million ($453.9 million), excluding VAT and customs duties.

The newspaper said the deal is one of the largest arms purchases made under the current government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Slovakia's Defense Ministry had previously purchased 14 F-16 fighter jets. Ten are currently in Slovakia, while four remain in Arizona, where they are being used to train Slovak pilots.

The ministry noted, however, that the purchase of the additional aircraft would not complete the development of Slovakia's tactical aviation capabilities.

It said the country is also building the infrastructure needed for the long-term operation of the aircraft, including pilot and technical personnel training, logistics and maintenance support, relevant infrastructure and a training system.