INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS
SP Guide Publications puts forth a well compiled articulation of issues, pursuits and accomplishments of the Indian Army, over the years
"Over the past 60 years, the growth of SP Guide Publications has mirrored the rising stature of Indian Navy. Its well-researched and informative magazines on Defence and Aerospace sector have served to shape an educated opinion of our military personnel, policy makers and the public alike. I wish SP's Publication team continued success, fair winds and following seas in all future endeavour!"
Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.
- Indian Air Force Aims for Full Indigenous Inventory by 2047 — Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
- Rajnath Singh assumes charge as Defence Minister for the second consecutive term
- Interim Defence Budget 2024-25 — An Analysis
- Union Defence budget 2024
- Prime Minister Modi Flies in the LCA Tejas
- New Chapter in India-Italy Defence Ties
- Airpower beyond Boundaries
Lockheed Martin and Slovakia Usher in New Era of European Air Defense with Ceremonial Delivery of First F-16 Block 70 Jets
In a ceremony today at Lockheed Martin's Greenville facility, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, Robert Kaliňák, along with esteemed delegates from the United States and Slovakia, commemorated the delivery of Slovakia's first two F-16 Block 70 aircraft. This event marks a new era in European air defense, underscoring the deepening partnership between the two allied nations. F-16 Block 70 fighter jets will help the Slovak Republic to once again ensure the protection of its airspace with its own capacities.
The two aircraft, a single-seat C-model and a two-seat D-model, will remain in Greenville for maintenance training. This training is crucial for Slovak Air Force personnel to ensure the smooth integration and effective operation of the F-16 fleet. More jets are slated for completion by 2025, with the first group of aircraft anticipated to arrive in Slovakia by mid-2024.
OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the milestone's strategic importance: "Slovakia is at the forefront of adopting Europe's most advanced 4th generation fighter, the F-16 Block 70. These jets not only represent a stronger alliance between Slovakia, the United States, and NATO allies but also equip the Slovak Air Force with advanced capabilities to face 21st Century Security challenges."
Sanchez added: "As Slovakia joins the ranks of nations operating the F-16, a benchmark NATO fighter, they bolster their defense capabilities and readiness for global operations. With 11 more Slovak F-16s under production and testing, we are committed to delivering a total of 14 state-of-the-art jets, further solidifying our partnership."
The F-16 Block 70 jets are equipped with the Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA Radar, advanced avionics, an extended structural service life of 12,000 hours, and critical safety features like the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). Since its integration into the US Air Force in late 2014, the Auto GCAS has been instrumental in saving 13 pilots across 12 F-16 incidents, exemplifying the aircraft's unparalleled safety and performance standards.
Lockheed Martin has a backlog of 133 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, with seven total jets delivered to-date for international partners.
SP's Aviation - Current Issue
