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WorldPosted at: May 3 2025 1:21PM


US approves potential $310.5 million F-16 package to Ukraine

Washington/Kyiv, May 3 (UNI) The US State Department has approved a potential $310.5 million sale to Ukraine for F-16 training, sustainment, and related equipment, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced Friday.
The news, just announced by the State Department in its notification to the US Congress, marks the first such action in favour of Kyiv by the Trump administration, which has been highly critical of the Ukrainian administration.
The package covers aircraft upgrades, personnel training, maintenance support, spare parts, and ground handling gear. It also includes classified and unclassified software, technical manuals, studies, and US government and contractor support for engineering, logistics, and technical assistance.
"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of F-16 Training and Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $310.5 million," DSCA said in a press release, according to Sputnik.
The War Zone reported on Thursday that the United States has been sending retired F-16 fighter jets from an aircraft boneyard to Ukraine, where they will be used as spare parts for jets supplied by Europe.
As reported by War Zone, the US State Department, regarding the package, stated: “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.”
It added: “The proposed sale 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 US Air Force.
"This proposed sale aligns with international coalition contributions for the establishment of Ukraine’s F-16 program and the overall modernization of Ukraine’s air force. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
Currently, the Ukrainian Air Force has been promised 85 operational F-16 deliveries, which include 24 from the Netherlands, 19 from Denmark, and 12 from Norway (with the same country providing 10 more that will be used for spare parts), while Belgium says it will supply 30.
Of this grand total, it should be noted that at least some of the jets are not being sent to Ukraine but are instead being used for training Ukrainian pilots, primarily at the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) in Romania.
The upgrade package for the F-16 by the US does not add to the number, though it could provide a sufficient boost to Kyiv’s air capabilities.


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