US to fund maintenance and repairs of Ukraine's F-16s in Belgium
Photo: The US will pay for the maintenance and repair of Ukrainian F-16s (Getty Images)
The United States has signed a contract for the repair and maintenance of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets in Belgium, which will remain in effect until 2029, according to the Pentagon.
"Sabena Aerospace Engineering, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium, has been awarded a $235,449,716 ceiling, time-and-materials, and firm-fixed-price contract for F-16 System Program Office Foreign Military Sales (FMS) support," the Pentagon says.
This contract provides for the maintenance of medium and high-complexity F-16 aircraft and their engines, as well as material support for Ukraine.
"Work will be performed at Sabena's facility in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 28, 2029. This contract involves FMS to Ukraine. This contract was a sole source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $69,725,380 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA823226CB005)," the Pentagon adds.
F-16 fighter jets in Armed Forces of Ukraine
In 2023, several NATO countries decided to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots to use them. Subsequently, Ukrainian pilots underwent training in the US and several allied countries, and eventually the Armed Forces of Ukraine received several batches of aircraft, the exact number of which has not been disclosed.
Belgium has committed to supplying the Ukrainian army with up to 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028. This is provided for in the security and long-term support agreement signed by Belgium and Ukraine on May 28, 2024.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said that the country would transfer the F-16s to Ukraine earlier than planned.
Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets will likely be able to shoot down Russian drones using inexpensive and effective APKWS II missiles.
