Slovakia plans to deploy its F-16 fighter jets for the first time in a NATO air defence mission in the Baltic region. The announcement was made on 6 May by Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák.
According to Kaliňák, Slovak aircraft should join the alliance operation at the end of 2027. The mission is part of the system of airspace protection over Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, NATO member states that do not have their own combat air forces capable of providing full-fledged protection of their skies.
„We are pleased to announce that we plan to participate in the NATO air defence mission in the Baltic region at the end of 2027,“ said the Slovak Defence Minister.
The deployment of Slovak F-16s would represent another step in strengthening cooperation among NATO member states and confirmation of Slovakia's growing role in Alliance defence operations.
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