Washington backs Ukraine with $310 million in F-16 support and pilot training

The US State Department has approved a potential sale to Ukraine of equipment and services to support F-16 fighter jets, valued at approximately $310.5 million.

The Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which oversees foreign military sales through intergovernmental agreements, announced the decision.

The proposed package includes spare parts, expendable materials, ground support equipment for the F-16s, as well as assistance with aircraft maintenance and repair.

According to the DSCA release, the package also includes the following services:

• Training personnel in F-16 operations, maintenance, and technical support;

• Provision and support of classified and unclassified software;

• Delivery of classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation;

• Research and assessments;

• Engineering, technical, and logistical support by the US government and contractors, as well as other related program support elements.

“The proposed sale will advance US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a partner country that is a key force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the statement said.

On April 30, the Biden administration formally notified Congress of its intention to approve Ukraine’s procurement of defence products and services exceeding $50 million. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is prepared to allocate between $30 billion and $50 billion for an additional aid package, including air defence systems.

The F-16 is a US-made, fourth-generation multirole lightweight fighter jet. Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have pledged to provide Ukraine with 79 such aircraft. The United States is playing a leading role in training Ukrainian pilots.

The first batch of F-16s arrived in Ukraine in July 2024. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, specified that the jets would be deployed at least 40 kilometres from the front line to reduce the risk of being targeted by Russian forces. President Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine needs 120–130 fighter jets to effectively counter Russia in the air.

According to Forbes, as of March 2025, Ukraine had received approximately 18 F-16s. The outlet warned of potential operational issues due to a halt in US military aid earlier, which had interrupted support for radar jamming systems. However, US military assistance to Ukraine resumed in mid-March.