The US Department of Defense has signed a $235 million maintenance and logistics support contract with Sabena Aerospace Engineering for F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine.
The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has signed a significant contract for the maintenance and logistics support of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, including those delivered to Ukraine. The agreement was announced to the public by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 30 January.
$235 Million Agreement
According to the DSCA’s statement, Belgium-based Sabena Aerospace Engineering was awarded a contract worth $235,449,716 for F-16 aircraft. Under the agreement, the scope includes:
- Technical maintenance of F-16 jets and their engines,
- Logistics support services,
- Operational support activities for Ukraine.
The work will be carried out at the company’s facilities in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium, and the contract is scheduled to be completed on 28 January 2029.
Previous Approvals and Expanding Scope
In May 2024, the US Department of State approved the sale of F-16 maintenance services to Ukraine worth $310.5 million. This package included:
- Personnel training,
- Related equipment,
- Requests for modifications and upgrades.
At the time, the DSCA stated that Ukraine had requested the modernisation of its F-16 fleet and the enhancement of its operational capabilities.
Ukraine’s Air Power Plans
In a statement made in October 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that:
Ukraine plans to procure up to 250 new fighter aircraft, including F-16, Gripen and Rafale fighter jets.
Zelenskyy noted that discussions were ongoing with Sweden, France and the United States regarding future deliveries.
According to experts, this latest contract is considered a critical step in enabling Ukraine to operate Western-origin fighter aircraft in a long-term and sustainable manner.
