The US State Department has approved the provision of sustainment services for Ukraine’s F-16 fleet.
Kyiv’s request included the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), maintenance services, training, and spare parts for an estimated $266.4 million.
The JMPS is a software tool that supports automated mission planning and coordination with other military assets.
“This proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust air defense capability,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated in a press release.
Principal contractors will be Sabena, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and Pratt and Whitney.
F-16s in Ukraine
Dozens of F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine by Denmark and the Netherlands since August.
In total, around 100 aircraft have been pledged to Ukraine, including 30 by Belgium. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in May that the country requires “120 to 130” F-16s to achieve “parity” with Russia’s forces.
The jets delivered to Ukraine have been fitted with a range of equipment and armaments, including electromagnetic warfare capabilities.
Kyiv has deployed the aircraft mostly for air defense operations.
