The Ministry of defense of Slovakia reported, that it is holding negotiations on possibility of buying of American fighters F-16 and Swedden «Gripen» in the framework of the program of replacing of old Russian’s «MiG-29».
At the present time Slovakia, which is the member of the NATO, implements technical maintenance of 12 «MiG-29» in the framework of the Contract with the Russian Aircraft Corporation «MiG» (Russia), validity of which expires in autumn of 2019. This agreement must be prolonged, because even if the if the government approves the purchase of new fighters (F-16 or «Gripen») before the end of this year, it will take quite some time to agree and sign the contract, and even after signing it before the transfer of aircraft, the customer will need at least 18-24 months.
The cost of the F-16 is higher and they can be delivered to 2023. Air forces of Poland exploit these aircrafts and consider the possibility of purchasing of additional batch. At the same time, neighbored Hungary and Czech Republic apply Sweden’s JAS-39 «Gripen». Earlier, Slovakia concluded with Czech Republic an Agreement on joint airspace patrol. In case, if Slovakia will purchase «Gripen», these two countries can create a joint system of preparation of pilots and service of technique.
Till 2030 Slovakia is intended to send about 6,5 billion Euros (8,11 billion US dollars) on modernization their own Armed Forces. Defense expenses must grow from 1,1% of gross domestic product of last year to 1,6% in 2020 and to 2,0% in 2024.
In November 2017 the government approved the plan of supply of 81 armored combat vehicles with wheel formula 8×8 jointly with Finnish company «Patria», and this year is planned to choose partner for assembly of 404 armored combat vehicles with wheel formula 4×4.
Sources: https://vpk.name/news/205826_minoboronyi_slovakii_rassmatrivaet_vozmozhnost_pokupki_istrebitelei_f16_i_gripen.html