Pentagon Works on Securing Spare Parts for F-16s to be Transferred to Ukraine

The US Department of Defense is actively involved in training Ukrainian pilots for F-16 flights and anticipates providing spare parts for these aircraft. This information is outlined in an official statement on the Pentagon's website.

The US State Department is prepared to approve the transfer of American-made F-16s to Ukraine through third countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. To ensure the successful operation of these F-16s in Ukraine, Ukrainian pilots are undergoing training in the US and Europe, covering both flight operations and technical maintenance.

However, the support for these F-16s won't cease once they are in Ukraine. The availability of spare parts is crucial for their proper functioning, ensuring technical maintenance and continuous flights. The US, as stated by William A. LaPlante, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, is ready to provide this support.

LaPlante emphasized that besides transferring the aircraft, ensuring the availability of spare parts for equipment maintenance is equally important. This supply is intended to allow for a minimum of 90 days of repairs from the start of operation.

He also warned that without spare parts, the F-16s flown by Ukrainians could become inoperable within a few months.

"We won't allow that to happen. If other countries provide their aircraft, we must be sure that if they don't provide the spare parts, we will find them and provide them," concluded William A. LaPlante.

The US Department of Defense is not alone in its efforts to guarantee Ukraine's ability to continue flying its F-16s and address concerns about Ukraine's long-term self-defense capability. The US and its partners, particularly within the Defense Ukraine Reform Advisory Board, are collaboratively working to ensure Ukraine has everything it needs and can sustain itself in the long run.

As a reminder, according to the statement from the commander of the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, General Onno Eichelsheim, 18 Dutch F-16 fighter jets necessary for training Ukrainian pilots will be sent to Romania before the New Year. These fighter jets will remain the property of the Netherlands, which has a total arsenal of 42 F-16 fighter jets.