WASHINGTON (the USA), April 4, 2018, Author: Galina Zdravkova (Bm), Photo by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook/U.S. Air Force

On Wednesday, 4th April 2018, the State Department approved the sales of F-16 supersonic fighters for Slovakia and CH-47 heavy-lift helicopters for Spain, reported Defense News.

Although the competition for selection of a supplier for the fighter jets for Slovakia is not closed yet and the winner is not clear, the State Department preemptively approved the sale worth an estimated $2.91 billion. In this way, in case of a future deal, the relevant procedures will be shortened.

The goal of Slovakia is to replace its twelve MiG-29 jet fighter aircrafts by fourteen new fighter jets, which will be either F-16 fighter aircrafts of Lockheed Martin or Gripens of Saab. The Government of Slovakia plans take a final decision on that issue after a review of the detailed report on the two options of the Ministry of Defense, which is expected to be ready in June 2018.

The deal with Spain for seventeen new CH-47 cargo helicopters at about $1.3 billion is now forwarded thanks to the approval of the sale by the State Department. The helicopters are modified in accordance with the requirements of Spain. Under the same agreement it will be provided 21 common missile warning systems and communication equipment.