US approves £234m support package for Ukraine's F‑16s
The US Department of State has approved the sale of equipment and training related to F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine for £234 million. This marks the first such approval since Donald Trump assumed office.
What do you need to know?
- What does the package include? Ukraine has ordered modifications and upgrades for F-16s, along with training for pilots and service technicians, spare parts, and repair support. The total cost is £234 million.
- Why is it important? This is the first officially approved new equipment package for Ukraine during Donald Trump’s presidency, although the F-16 aircraft themselves are not part of this transaction.
- What are the limitations? The US has not provided F-16 aircraft to Ukraine but only supports the maintenance of those delivered by Europe by supplying non-operational F-16s for parts.
What are the details of the transaction?
According to the DSCA statement, the package ordered by Ukraine includes modifications and upgrades for F-16s, training for pilots and service personnel, spare parts, repair support, and software. The total cost is estimated at £234 million.
Although the package does not include the aircraft themselves, it is the first officially approved new equipment package for Ukraine during Donald Trump’s presidency. The president’s administration had provided aid approved under President Biden, following a brief pause due to a disagreement between Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
The US does not provide F-16 aircraft, only their parts
While the US has not delivered F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, other countries, such as the Netherlands and Denmark, have already done so. American support involves providing non-operational F-16s for parts, aiding the maintenance of the aircraft delivered by Europe. A US Air Force spokesperson emphasised that these F-16s have been retired from active use and are not flight-capable.
An Air Force representative noted that the retired F-16s lack key components such as engines or radar, rendering them inoperable. Nevertheless, their parts can be invaluable for Ukraine in maintaining previously transferred aircraft.
