Slovakia gets first new F-16s to replace MiGs it donated to Ukraine

Slovakia has received the first two of 14 new F-16 fighter jets that will replace Russian-made planes it had already donated to Ukraine.

That's according to Reuters, Ukrinform reports.

The country is set to receive another 12 F-16s by the end of next year.

"Slovakia signed a deal in 2018 for the 14 jets, worth around $1.6 billion. The first deliveries are a year late after delays during the COVID pandemic," Reuters wrote.

Last year Slovakia handed over a dozen MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, which were to be grounded due to a lack of parts and maintenance.

"Slovakia's new government under Prime Minister Robert Fico, in power since late last year, has ended state military aid to Ukraine and sought an investigation into the previous administration's donation of the MIG-29 fighters," the report said.