TUCSON, AZ (WOWO) Indiana Air National Guard pilots and the Slovak Air Force conducted a historic joint F-16 air-to-air training exercise at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, Feb. 12–17, 2026.
The training was part of the State Partnership Program linking Indiana and Slovakia for more than three decades, according to the Indiana Air National Guard. The exercise focused on complex four-versus-four air combat scenarios designed to improve operational readiness and NATO interoperability.
Slovak pilots flew their new Block-70 F-16 Fighting Falcons, gaining experience in advanced combat maneuvers and operational planning. Meanwhile, the 122nd Fighter Wing, known as the Blacksnakes, practiced Agile Combat Employment procedures, enhancing survivability and small-footprint operations.
Col. Ed “Imax” Castañeda, director of the exercise, said the exercise marked the first time Slovak and Indiana F-16s flew together in coordinated operations. Col. Adolf Ulicny of the Slovak Air Force highlighted the training’s importance in preparing Slovak pilots for Quick Reaction Alert air policing missions over their national airspace.
Lt. Col. Aaron “Hunts” Steffanus, exercise planner for the 122nd Fighter Wing, noted that the exercise strengthened coordination in mission planning, standardized briefing and debriefing, and air combat tactics, supporting deeper integration between U.S. and Slovak forces.
Officials say the training not only improves NATO readiness but also helps Slovakia establish a foundation for an F-16 fighter pilot program, demonstrating the country’s ability to rapidly deploy combat-ready forces as part of European defense missions.
