Ukraine conflict: US commits to continued F-16 support

The US has approved a training and sustainment package for Ukraine's growing fleet of F-16 combat aircraft. (Getty Images)

The United States has committed to continued support of Ukraine's fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft, with the Department of State approving a USD310.5 million training and sustainment package on 2 May.

Announced on the same day by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the approval covers personnel training, as well as equipment and services in support of Ukraine's F-16AM/BM Block 15 Mid-Life Update (MLU) Fighting Falcons, including aircraft modifications and upgrades.

“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine's capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring its pilots are effectively trained and by increasing its interoperability with the United States through comprehensive training with the US Air Force [USAF]. This proposed sale aligns with international coalition contributions for the establishment of Ukraine's F-16 programme and the overall modernisation of Ukraine's Air Force,” the DSCA said.

Ukraine received its first batch of a so far pledged 79 F-16s in early August 2024, of which two have reportedly been lost to date. The aircraft have been heavily involved in air-defence duties, scoring what was described by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Ukraine as a “historic” success in shooting down multiple Russian cruise missiles during a single air-defence sortie in January. The type has also been seen carrying Boeing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, indicating it is being used in a ground-attack role as well.

For more information on Ukraine'sF-16s, please see Ukraine conflict: Zelensky presents first F-16s .