The Government of Ukraine has requested equipment and services to support the operation and maintenance of its future F-16 aircraft fleet. The package includes non-lethal, non-MDE (Major Defense Equipment) items such as aircraft modifications and upgrades, personnel training, spare parts, and consumables.
Additional support will cover repair and return services, ground handling equipment, and both classified and unclassified software delivery and support. It will also include relevant publications, technical documentation, studies and surveys, and U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” The U.S. Government stated the sale aligns with broader international efforts to develop Ukraine’s F-16 capabilities and modernise its air force.
The DSCA added that the proposed package “will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring its pilots are effectively trained and by increasing its interoperability with the United States through comprehensive training with the U.S. Air Force.” Ukraine is expected to integrate the support package smoothly into its armed forces.
The principal contractors for the potential sale include Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, BAE Systems, and AAR Corporation.
Source: DSCA.
