U.S. sends derelict F-16s to Ukraine for spare parts amid growing needs

In recent developments, the United States has commenced the shipment of decommissioned F-16 fighters to Ukraine, aimed at bolstering the spare parts inventory for Ukraine's air force. These aircraft, stripped of essential components and rendered non-operational, were withdrawn from active U.S. service and are intended to support the existing fleet of European-donated F-16s in Ukraine. The delivery, which reportedly happened in late April 2025, involved loading the fighters onto an Antonov Airlines transport aircraft at Tucson International Airport, known for its proximity to a storage facility for retired military aircraft, commonly referred to as the 'boneyard'. This aid arrives at a crucial time as Ukraine continues to face formidable challenges due to ongoing Russian military operations, specifically missile attacks targeting key infrastructure. The recent influx of disassembled F-16s underscores a strategic effort to enhance the maintenance and operability of the NATO-donated aircraft already in use by Ukraine. While the U.S. has not committed to providing flyable combat aircraft to Ukraine, the provision of parts from these non-flyable jets signifies an essential step towards sustaining Ukraine's defensive capabilities in the face of unprecedented aggression. The U.S. Air Force, however, has indicated that these aircraft cannot be restored to flight status due to the absence of critical systems including engines and radar units. Despite the non-functional status of these units, they are expected to provide significant logistical support to maintain and repair the airframes of operational F-16s that have been pledged by various NATO allies, such as Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, which have committed to supplying Ukraine with approximately eighty-five working F-16s. This commitment from NATO members, paired with the U.S. donations, aims to ensure that Ukraine can maintain a capable air force amidst rising attrition rates—two F-16 fighters have already been recorded as lost since the initial deployment began last August. As both a strategic and practical response to the needs of the Ukrainian military, the provision of these aircraft parts is expected to mitigate the ongoing challenges of spare part shortages that have plagued the efforts of Ukraine's defense forces. In the wake of this assistance, the U.S. is likely to monitor closely the impact of these contributions on the overall air operations of Ukraine as the conflict progresses.