Fighter Jet News
F-16 Fighting Falcon News
U.S. sends decommissioned F-16s to Ukraine for spare parts
May 1, 2025 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
The United States has begun transferring retired F-16 Fighting Falcons to Ukraine, not as operational aircraft, but as sources of spare parts to support Ukraine's growing fleet of European-donated F-16s.
These non-operational F-16s, stored at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, are being dismantled and shipped to Ukraine. The aircraft lack critical components such as engines and radar systems, rendering them unsuitable for flight. However, they provide valuable parts to maintain and repair Ukraine's active F-16s.
Recent images have surfaced showing disassembled F-16 airframes being loaded onto Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo planes in Arizona, with flight tracking data indicating destinations in Poland. This marks the first visual confirmation of such transfers.
While the U.S. has not supplied Ukraine with operational F-16s, it has played a significant role in supporting the sustainment of the aircraft donated by European allies, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium. This support includes providing spare parts, maintenance assistance, and pilot training.
In addition to the transfer of spare parts, the U.S. State Department has approved a $310.5 million Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine, encompassing modifications, upgrades, training for operations and maintenance, technical documentation, repair support, and ground handling equipment. Contractors involved in this deal include Valiant Integrated Services, Top Aces Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, and L3Harris.
The provision of these spare parts is crucial for Ukraine to maintain the operational readiness of its F-16 fleet, especially as the country continues to face challenges in its defense efforts. The U.S.'s contribution underscores its commitment to supporting Ukraine's military capabilities through logistical and technical assistance.
Although the United States has yet to send combat-ready F-16s to Ukraine, it has played a vital role in equipping Kyiv’s future fleet. American support includes training Ukrainian pilots via the 162nd Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard and supplying a range of advanced munitions. These include AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, JDAM-ER precision-guided bombs with an estimated range of 50 miles, Small Diameter Bombs, and HARM missiles designed to target enemy radar systems.
Additionally, the Biden administration previously committed to sending AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons — medium-range glide bombs capable of hitting targets over 70 miles away — although it remains uncertain if those have reached Ukraine yet.
'Mothballed' F-16s are parked in the 'bone yard' at Davis-Monthan AFB on July 30th, 2010. Maintainers from the 309th AMARG are regenerating F-16s so they can be converted into usable manned or drone targets allowing Airmen to train and test new weapons platforms. [USAF photo by SSgt. Desiree N. Palacios]
Recent images have surfaced showing disassembled F-16 airframes being loaded onto Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo planes in Arizona, with flight tracking data indicating destinations in Poland. This marks the first visual confirmation of such transfers.
While the U.S. has not supplied Ukraine with operational F-16s, it has played a significant role in supporting the sustainment of the aircraft donated by European allies, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium. This support includes providing spare parts, maintenance assistance, and pilot training.
In addition to the transfer of spare parts, the U.S. State Department has approved a $310.5 million Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine, encompassing modifications, upgrades, training for operations and maintenance, technical documentation, repair support, and ground handling equipment. Contractors involved in this deal include Valiant Integrated Services, Top Aces Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, and L3Harris.
The provision of these spare parts is crucial for Ukraine to maintain the operational readiness of its F-16 fleet, especially as the country continues to face challenges in its defense efforts. The U.S.'s contribution underscores its commitment to supporting Ukraine's military capabilities through logistical and technical assistance.
Although the United States has yet to send combat-ready F-16s to Ukraine, it has played a vital role in equipping Kyiv’s future fleet. American support includes training Ukrainian pilots via the 162nd Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard and supplying a range of advanced munitions. These include AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, JDAM-ER precision-guided bombs with an estimated range of 50 miles, Small Diameter Bombs, and HARM missiles designed to target enemy radar systems.
Additionally, the Biden administration previously committed to sending AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons — medium-range glide bombs capable of hitting targets over 70 miles away — although it remains uncertain if those have reached Ukraine yet.
Additional images:
The RNZAF Delegation inspecting the line-up of 28 stored Pakistani F-16s at the Boneyard at Davis Monthan AFB [RNZAF photo]
USAF F-16A block 15 #81-0701 has the checkerboard tail of the 171th FS still applied on the tail when it was spotted in the Boneyard in 2005. [Photo by Phillip Kovaric]
USAF F-16A block 15 #80-0587 from the 169th FS is parked in a row of spraylatted vipers in the Boneyard. [Photo by Phillip Kovaric]