Exclusive: U.S. Approves F-16 Fighter Jet Support for Ukraine as Early Images Suggest Spare Parts Delivery.

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Ukraine for F-16 Training and Sustainment and related support, with a total estimated value of $310.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified the U.S. Congress of the decision on May 2, 2025, marking a critical move in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air combat readiness. This announcement follows recent imagery circulating on social media that appears to confirm the transfer of decommissioned F-16 fighter jets from the United States to Poland, intended for eventual delivery to Ukraine.
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A Ukrainian F-16 is pictured alongside imagery suggesting the early movement of spare parts, potentially related to the recently approved U.S. sustainment package. (Picture source: Ukraine MoD and Social Network)

The Government of Ukraine has formally requested to acquire a broad array of equipment and services in support of its incoming F-16 fighter aircraft. The requested non-MDE (Major Defense Equipment) items include aircraft modifications and upgrades; personnel training related to operations, maintenance, and sustainment; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair-and-return support; ground handling equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; as well as studies and surveys. Additionally, the sale package encompasses U.S. Government and contractor-provided engineering, technical, and logistics support services, along with other essential elements of program and logistics backing. The estimated total value of this support deal stands at $310.5 million.

The proposed sale will significantly improve Ukraine’s capacity to address both current and future threats by ensuring its pilots are properly trained and by increasing interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces through intensive training partnerships, including direct collaboration with the U.S. Air Force. This comprehensive support aligns with ongoing international coalition efforts to establish Ukraine’s F-16 program and contributes directly to the broader modernization of the Ukrainian Air Force. According to U.S. assessments, Ukraine will face no difficulties in absorbing and implementing these systems and services within its existing military infrastructure.

The approved deal includes a comprehensive suite of capabilities designed to ensure the effective operational readiness and long-term sustainment of the F-16 platform. These include aircraft modifications and system upgrades, personnel training for flight operations, maintenance, and logistics, ground support equipment, spare parts and consumables, classified and unclassified software packages, extensive technical documentation and manuals, repair-and-return logistics frameworks, as well as U.S. Government and contractor-provided engineering and support services. This package forms part of a larger, multinational initiative to prepare the Ukrainian Air Force for the integration of Western fighter platforms and to enhance interoperability with NATO forces.

According to U.S. officials, this sale aims to ensure that Ukrainian pilots receive advanced, NATO-standard training, thus enabling them to operate the F-16s effectively in both defensive and offensive roles. Additionally, the support will bolster Ukraine's logistical and technical capabilities to maintain these fighter jets autonomously over the long term. The initiative also dovetails with ongoing contributions from the international F-16 coalition, including several NATO members, for the comprehensive modernization of Ukraine’s air combat fleet.

In a development that aligns with the U.S. approval, open-source intelligence (OSINT) monitors reported in late April 2025 the discreet transfer of decommissioned F-16 fighter jets from Tucson, Arizona, to Rzeszów Airport in Poland. This key logistics hub has become the epicenter for managing Western military aid into Ukraine. Eyewitnesses and tracking data confirmed the use of an An-124 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft from the Ukrainian Antonov fleet, underlining Ukraine’s active logistical participation in the transfer process.

To date, Ukraine has secured promises for around 85 operational F-16 aircraft from various European allies. The Netherlands is set to provide 24 jets, Denmark 19, and Norway 12 for operational use plus an additional 10 airframes intended for spare parts. Belgium has pledged 30 fighter jets, rounding out what is the most ambitious air force modernization program in Ukrainian history.

The delivery of advanced F-16 training and sustainment capabilities underscores Washington’s long-term commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s self-defense and aligning its military architecture with NATO standards. As Kyiv prepares to operate the F-16s in live combat environments, this package is not only strategic but transformative—setting the stage for a generational leap in Ukrainian air power.