The US State Department has given the green light for a $310.5 million sale of F-16 fighter jet training and support services to Ukraine, marking a major development in the ongoing modernization of Ukraine's air force capabilities.
The comprehensive package includes aircraft modifications, pilot training programs, spare parts, ground handling equipment, software support, technical documentation, and logistics services. This approval aims to enhance Ukraine's defense readiness by providing thorough training for its pilots and increasing military cooperation with US forces.
Several prominent US defense contractors will participate in delivering these services, including Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Pratt & Whitney, BAE Systems, and AAR Corporation. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has formally notified Congress about the proposed sale.
The approval aligns with broader international coalition efforts to establish Ukraine's F-16 program. The package will complement Ukraine's expanding fleet of European-donated F-16 jets, with the US also providing decommissioned F-16s for spare parts.
According to the Pentagon, Ukraine is well-positioned to integrate these services into its armed forces. The implementation will not require additional US personnel deployment to Ukraine and poses no adverse impact on US defense readiness.
This military support package represents another step in strengthening Ukraine's defensive capabilities while fostering closer military cooperation between the two nations. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that this sale advances US foreign policy goals by supporting a partner country that contributes to political stability in Europe.