In July 2024, the arrival of the first American F-16 fighter jets at Malacky Airport marked a significant event for Slovakia, attended by President Peter Pellegrini, who has a pilot's license and expressed an emotional connection to the aircraft. He recalled that it was his government that made the critical decision in 2018 to gradually phase out the aging Russian MiG-29 jets, which were becoming increasingly costly and challenging to maintain as they approached the end of their operational lifespan.

However, Pellegrini's recent comments regarding the MiG-29 fighter jets have shifted, expressing an apparent longing for the Russian aircraft that are no longer in use. This contrast highlights a complex relationship with the legacy of Soviet-era military assets, including considerations of national security and the strategic shift towards Western military equipment.

The transition from Russian to American military aircraft represents a broader geopolitical shift for Slovakia, emphasizing the importance of NATO partnerships and modernization of the Slovak military. The implications of Pellegrini's remarks might resonate with the Slovak public, who may have mixed feelings about abandoning historic military ties in favor of new alliances.