US State Department approves sale of equipment for F-16 jets to Ukraine
Photo: Ukrainian F-16 fighters will receive support from the US defense industry (Getty Images)
The US State Department has approved the potential sale of equipment to the Ukrainian government for the maintenance of F-16 fighter jets. The estimated total cost of the equipment is $266.4 million, according to the US Department of Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The agency issued the necessary certificate and notified the US Congress.
It is noted that the Ukrainian government has requested to purchase and receive:
- Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS);
- AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL);
- minor modifications and maintenance support;
- engine Component Improvement Program (CIP);
- spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories;
- repair and return support;
- weapons software, weapons software support equipment, and classified and unclassified software and delivery support;
- classified and unclassified publications and documentation;
- personnel training and training equipment;
- studies and surveys;
- US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services;
- maintenance and servicing of F-16, F-17, F-18, and F-20 aircraft;
- engineering, technical, and logistical services from the US government and contractors, along with other related logistics and software support elements.
The estimated total cost for all the requested equipment is $266.4 million.
The primary contractors will be Sabena in Charleroi, Belgium; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, TX; and Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT.
It is emphasized that this aid package will enhance Ukraine’s ability to counter current and future threats by providing a more powerful air defense system to carry out self-defense missions and ensure regional security.
F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine
In May 2023, Ukraine and its Western partners established the so-called aviation coalition, which aimed to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force with Western fighter jets.
In August of this year, the first F-16 fighter jets arrived in Ukraine, delivered by Denmark and the Netherlands. They effectively intercepted massive Russian missile attacks during the summer and fall.
Recently, Ukraine received a second batch of F-16s from Denmark.
According to media reports, the Ukrainian Air Force will be able to form a squadron of F-16 fighter jets (from 8 to 30 or more units) no earlier than the spring or summer of 2025.
Currently, a group of Ukrainian pilots is continuing their training in Arizona and is expected to return to Ukraine in early 2025.
