The U.S. has approved a contract with contractors to service Ukrainian F-16s.

This was reported by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Ukrainian government has requested to purchase certain equipment, software, as well as maintenance and repair services for aircraft.

Among the items approved in the contract:

• Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS);
• Simple Key Loaders (SKL) AN/PYQ-10;
• Minor modifications and technical support;
• Component Improvement Program (CIP);
• Spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories;
• Repair and return support;
• Weapons software, equipment for weapons software support, as well as classified and unclassified software and delivery support;
• Classified and unclassified publications and documentation;
• Personnel training and training equipment, studies and reviews;
• U.S. government engineering and technical services;
• Maintenance and repair services for F-16, F-17, F-18, F-20 aircraft, as well as other engineering, technical, and logistical services from the U.S. government and contractors.

The contractors providing the equipment and services will be the Belgian company Sabena, along with American firms Lockheed Martin Aeronautics from Texas and Pratt and Whitney from Connecticut.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this equipment will enhance Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian aggression with more powerful air defense systems.

Recall that earlier, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden approved sending American military contractors to Ukraine for the maintenance and repair of the equipment provided to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Previously, military equipment from the U.S. that was damaged during combat operations had to be transported out of Ukraine to Poland, Romania, or other NATO countries for repairs, which required additional time.