The deployment of F-16 fighters in the conflict has showcased the integration of advanced Western technologies in combat conditions. Due to ongoing enemy attempts to destroy Ukrainian aircraft and target airfields, maintaining these complex systems requires a flexible and mobile approach. In response, Ukrainian defense companies, working alongside the charitable foundation “Come Back Alive” and the state-owned company Ukrnafta – which contributed approximately 49.4 million UAH – have developed technical solutions tailored to the realities of modern warfare. These solutions address increased threats to airfield infrastructure and the urgent need for rapid weapons preparation.
The F-16 is a highly advanced aircraft that requires complex maintenance. In this context, the “Come Back Alive” foundation, together with Ukrnafta, has delivered three large-scale mobile technical units to the Ukrainian Air Force. These include a command center for planning air operations and two separate modules dedicated to preparing aviation weapons for combat use.
Additionally, the military received “Project 61,” an autonomous and mobile technical ecosystem developed through this collaboration. It is designed specifically to meet frontline requirements and the unique operational needs of the F-16 in combat conditions.
The complex includes:
-
A mobile command center for planning combat missions, where pre-flight briefings take place and coordination of actions in the immediate airspace is managed
- Two specialized modules for the rapid preparation of munitions, designed to speed up the inspection and mounting of weapons on fighters
Previously, assembling a single munition required up to 10–12 personnel. Thanks to this new technical solution, the task can now be completed by just three specialists. This was explained by Serhiy, a representative of “Office 61,” which coordinates the development of Ukraine’s aviation capabilities.
This technical ecosystem incorporates leading European approaches to modern aviation maintenance while being adapted to the realities of the war in Ukraine. It is designed to fully support the operational potential of the new aircraft on the battlefield.
The foundation emphasizes that during the active phase of the conflict, when the enemy is deliberately targeting aviation assets and airfields, the Ukrainian Air Force faced a shortage of mobile solutions for efficiently maintaining both F-16 fighters and their weapons. The developed technical ecosystem integrates best European practices, is based on the real needs of the Ukrainian military, and enables the full realization of the combat potential of modern aviation equipment. More information about this unique project is available here. Support for the military can be made here.
Source: Come back alive
