Slovakia boosts NATO defence with F-16 maintenance hub in Central Europe

A new agreement between Slovak aircraft maintenance company LOTN and Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services will establish a dedicated MRO centre to support both legacy and modern F-16 Fighting Falcon variants.

This collaboration reflects a shared ambition to enhance technical support for operators of the iconic aircraft, particularly in the wake of recent deliveries of Block 70 models to the Slovak Air Force, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The planned MRO centre, strategically located in Trenčín, Central Europe, will leverage the combined expertise of the two partners. With its modern infrastructure and Kongsberg’s extensive experience supporting F-16s, including the Falcon Service Centre designation from Lockheed Martin for variants up to Block 52, the facility is expected to become a key maintenance hub for NATO and allied air forces.

The aim is to provide a reliable, fully operational maintenance solution for the F-16 platform, bolstering the operational capabilities of regional forces, especially with the rising presence of Block 70 aircraft.

The F-16A/B, initially designed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) for the U.S. Air Force, entered service in the late 1970s and has since evolved into one of the world’s most versatile multirole combat aircraft.

It is equipped with advanced avionics, including the Westinghouse AN/APG-66 radar, inertial navigation system, and sophisticated electronic warfare systems, alongside six external hardpoints for many armament configurations. Throughout its service life, the F-16A/B has adapted to perform roles ranging from air superiority to ground attack, reconnaissance, and air policing.

Juraj Laus, CEO of LOTN, highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that it directly stems from the company’s role in maintaining the Slovak Air Force’s F-16 Block 70 fleet. Laus also expressed that the collaboration with Kongsberg represents a significant opportunity for LOTN to expand its service offerings, benefiting not only Slovakia but also NATO and allied operators across Europe.

Kongsberg, with over four decades of experience supporting the F-16, brings invaluable expertise from its long-standing relationship with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. As Norway transitions from F-16s to the F-35, Kongsberg is poised to redirect its F-16 knowledge to support international markets.

André Jægtvik, President of Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services, underscored the strategic value of the partnership, noting that the combined capabilities of the two companies will provide a robust solution for European F-16 operators, positioning the MRO centre as a credible choice for future support needs.

Founded 75 years ago, LOTN has a strong track record in aircraft maintenance, having serviced a range of military platforms, including the Aero L-39 trainers, Mi-17 helicopters, and LET 410 transport aircraft. The company’s 14,000 square-metre facilities, complete with a 2,000-metre runway and certified control tower, provide an ideal base for maintaining advanced aircraft like the F-16.

The joint venture between Kongsberg and LOTN marks a significant step forward in strengthening F-16 support infrastructure in Europe. As the Block 70 variant becomes more widespread across the continent, the new MRO centre in Trenčín is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring the operational readiness of regional air forces, enhancing NATO's collective defence capabilities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev