He United States Department of State has approved a contract by value of 310.5 million dollars to facilitate Ukraine The possible acquisition of training and maintenance materials for your fleet of F-16 combat aircraftas confirmed on Friday the defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The operation includes Loose pieces, personnel training, spare parts, accessories, technical publications, classified and non -classified software, and logistics servicesboth from the US government and private contractors.
All this is part of a broader initiative to Modernize the Ukrainian Air force and reinforce its operational capacity within the framework of the ongoing conflict.
“This proposed sale will support the United States foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a socio -country which is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe, ”says the DSCA statement, which also states that the operation” will not alter the basic military balance in the region. “
Management also contemplates “Modifications and aircraft updates“, Sending”Earth handling equipment“And support for”repair and return”.
According to the DSCA, Ukraine may absorb these goods and services without difficulty, and their implementation will not require the allocation of additional representatives by the United States or contractors.
From the State Department it was clarified that the announced value corresponds to the estimated limit of the operation, and that the final amount will depend on the final requirements, the budgetary authorization and the contracts that are eventually signed.
The announcement represents a Significant step in the military relationship between the United States and Ukraine under the mandate of Donald Trumpwho during his campaign and first months in office criticized the billions of dollars in military and economic aid that his predecessor, Joe Biden, granted to kyiv.
However, in recent weeks the bilateral bond has shown an evolution, also marked by the agreement signed on Wednesday for a Joint Fund on Ukrainian mineral wealth.
The White House reaffirmed that Contract costs will be assumed by Ukraineand that this sale “will not negatively affect the preparation for the defense of the United States.”
Ukraine He received his first F-16 in mid-2024after two years of diplomatic pressure during the Biden government. Until now, kyiv has about 18 F-16 fighters, with additional tens on the way from Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Denmark.
last month, the Ukrainian government confirmed the Second casualty of an F-16 pilot in combat Since he received the first specimens. In this context, the integral training of the staff became a priority to avoid operability losses.
In parallel, the president Volodimir Zelensky He urged Friday to accelerate the National Production of Balistic Systemsconsidering that providing the army of long -range projectiles It is a “clear and effective guarantee” in security.
In his speech, Zelenski also took stock of recent international contacts focused on reinforce air capacity of Ukraine, with special emphasis on F-16.
(With EP and AFP information)
