U.S. Dept. of Defense
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U.S. DoD Works to Keep Ukraine’s F-16s Flying

Nov. 27, 2023
F-16 fighter aircraft used in Ukraine require a steady supply of spare parts, which are being provided by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Ukraine’s reliance on F-16 fighter aircraft from the United States and other sources is aided by a steady flow of spare parts from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Third-party U.S. aircraft are being transferred to Ukraine from sources such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway, but not always with suitable spare parts. The U.S. DoD hopes to supply sufficient spare parts to keep those aircraft flying reliably and for as long as possible.

William A. LaPlante, the U.S. undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, explained the practice in providing spare parts and the importance of spare parts for maintaining the aircraft: ‘Whatever we deliver to the Ukrainians, provide 90 days of spares, please, please, that's the rule of thumb—90 days of spares.”

Since February 2022, the U.S. has committed more than $44 billion in hardware and ammunition to Ukraine, including F-16 aircraft and suitable spare parts. 

Without enough spare parts, the F-16 aircraft (see image above) on loan could be grounded in a few months. Regarding the spare parts for military aircraft, LaPlante noted, “It’s oftentimes the thing that is forgotten.” He added that even for aircraft from other countries, the U.S. is prepared to help with spare parts, “Just because other countries provide their airplanes, we have to make sure if they don't provide the spares that we find the spares and provide them.”

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.

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