The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible foreign military sale of F-16 sustainment services and related equipment worth $266.4 million to Ukraine.
Kyiv’s request includes the Joint Mission Planning System, AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders, spare parts, weapon software, and other maintenance, training, engineering and logistical services. The project’s primary contractors are Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, RTX company Pratt and Whitney, and Belgian maintenance solutions provider Sabena Engineering.
The package is expected to enhance Ukraine’s air defense and regional security capabilities, enabling it to effectively address current and future threats. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the potential sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy goals by enhancing the security of a key European ally without altering the region’s military balance.
In August, the U.S. Air Force’s 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron partnered with its Danish and Norwegian counterparts to enhance the EW capabilities of Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets. A specialized team reprogrammed the aircraft’s EW systems to counter Russian threats.
The request for an F-16 support package follows Kyiv’s other bid for sustainment services to maintain U.S.-supplied vehicles and weapon systems. The approved FMS, worth $100 million, includes equipment and services for vehicle refurbishment and logistical support and seeks to enhance Ukraine’s battlefield effectiveness and reduce the European country’s operational costs.