**US Sends Non-Flying F-16 Airframes to Ukraine for Parts**
In a move aimed at supporting Ukraine’s growing fleet of fighter jets, the United States has reportedly transferred stripped-down F-16 airframes to Ukraine. According to a recent report by War Zone, these non-operational jets were taken from the US military’s “boneyard,” a storage facility where retired aircraft are kept.
The US Air Force has confirmed that they provided Ukraine with disused and completely non-operational F-16s for parts. These aircraft, which cannot be restored to flying condition, lack critical components such as an engine or radar. The spokesperson emphasized that these jets were previously retired from active US use and are not flyable.
The transfer of these airframes was made possible by photos emerging last week showing partially disassembled F-16s being loaded onto a Ukrainian Antonov Airlines An-124 transport aircraft in Arizona. Flight tracking data confirmed the plane’s landing at Tucson International Airport on April 25 and its departure for Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland on April 26.
**A Critical Time for Ukraine’s F-16 Program**
This parts supply comes at a critical time for Ukraine’s F-16 program. The country’s growing Viper fleet has already suffered combat losses, including two confirmed F-16 crashes resulting in pilot fatalities. European allies have pledged approximately 85 operational F-16s to Ukraine, with contributions from the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium.
Maintaining these aging fighters presents significant logistical challenges for Ukraine, which is simultaneously integrating an entirely new Western aircraft system while operating elderly airframes that “require an even bigger support footprint.” The transfer of non-flyable F-16 airframes from the US military’s boneyard may help alleviate some of these challenges.
**Commentary and Analysis**
The transfer of stripped-down F-16 airframes to Ukraine is a pragmatic solution to the country’s logistical challenges. By providing disused aircraft for parts, the US Air Force can support Ukraine’s efforts without putting its own operational capabilities at risk. This move also highlights the complexities of maintaining aging fighter jets, which require significant resources and expertise.
As Ukraine continues to integrate new Western aircraft systems, the need for reliable spare parts will only grow. The transfer of non-flyable F-16 airframes may be a temporary solution, but it underscores the importance of long-term logistical planning in supporting Ukraine’s military efforts.
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