How long can Ukraine's F-16s last without US support? Defense Express answers
Illustrative photo (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The United States partially stopped supporting the F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine. Now these aircraft may be left without proper maintenance, according to Defense Express.
It may be about updating the software of the AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Countermeasures pod. The entire combat capability of this fighter really depends on the United States.
There is the problem of where to get spare parts, service engines, systems, components, and assemblies of the F-16 itself. And also where to get weapons for it, including AIM-9 and AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, along with means of destroying ground targets.
The United States does not have a magic “button” that allows it to remotely shut down the F-16. Yet, without official maintenance, F-16s can fly for quite some time. It is not yet known whether the US has blocked arms re-exports to Ukraine, meaning that the necessary parts can be ordered through friendly European countries.
If the United States does decide to completely block the use of F-16s by the Air Force, it will only mean a gradual degradation of the capabilities of these aircraft.
There are two similar cases in the world: Venezuela and Iran. After the US embargo was imposed in 2005, Venezuela lost access to spare parts for its F-16s, but keeps them in service through cannibalism and gray schemes. Iran, under sanctions since 1984, has received 79 of the 80 F-14s ordered and continues to operate them without official supplies from the United States.
In any case, there is no reason to say that F-16s will not be able to take to the skies “tomorrow” even under the worst-case scenario of a total US ban, even on re-exports.
Background
The United States has partially stopped supporting the F-16 fighters in Ukraine. This move could deprive the Air Force of its most important air countermeasures.
Transfer of F-16 fighters for Ukraine
In 2023, Ukraine and its allies created an aviation coalition to provide Ukraine with F-16 combat aircraft. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs at least 128 F-16s.
Last summer, the first F-16s from partners arrived in Ukraine. It is not publicly disclosed how many planes Ukraine received. The first F-16s were delivered to Ukraine by the Netherlands and Denmark.
In July of this year, it became known that Ukraine already has delivery schedules for F-16s from partner countries, but they are long term. For example, Belgium would provide Ukraine with 30 fighters by the end of 2028.
