Non-operational F-16 fighter jets are being taken from a scrapyard in Arizona, dismantled, and sent to Ukraine. These spare parts are needed to support the growing fleet of aircraft transferred by European partners. This became known after photos appeared online showing partially dismantled fighter jets being loaded onto a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 transport aircraft in Arizona
A U.S. Air Force representative stated that the Department of the Air Force approved the decision ‘to keep the F-16 fighters, provided to Ukraine by European countries, in working condition by supplying Ukraine with decommissioned and fully non-operational F-16 fighters for spare parts.’ The statement emphasized that these aircraft had been retired from active service in the U.S. and are not airworthy. They also lack critical components such as an engine or radar and cannot be restored for operational use.
Evidence that the F-16s were heading to Ukraine emerged last week. Photos appeared on social media showing at least three packaged F-16s, without wings, tails, engines, and radomes, being loaded onto an An-124. This led to a reasonable assumption that the U.S. had transferred these aircraft to Ukraine, although there was no official confirmation. There was also a possibility that they were intended for Poland. Thanks to the presence of IFF antennas on the nose section, experts identified the aircraft in the photos as older Block 15 variants that had previously been used by the U.S. Air National Guard.
In total, Ukraine has been promised around 85 F-16s, including 24 from the Netherlands, 19 from Denmark, and 12 from Norway. In addition, Norway will provide another 10 that will be used for spare parts, while Belgium has announced it will deliver 30 aircraft. It is clear that some of these jets are not being sent directly to Ukraine but are being used to train pilots at the European training center in Romania.
The aircraft provided by the United States will not increase the total number but will help support the growing fleet of fighters.
These fighter jets are becoming increasingly scarce. For example, older American F-16s that are still in flyable condition have been transferred to the Navy. Additionally, many aircraft stored in reserve and still airworthy have been handed over to other allies. The service is also working to extend the operational life of newer F-16s currently in service, aiming to keep them flying as long as possible.
As of autumn last year, the Pentagon’s air base had:
- 150 units of F-16A
- 27 units of F-16B
- 143 units of F-16C
- 22 units of F-16D
Again, many of them are not airworthy.
It was previously reported that a shortage of spare parts is hindering the delivery of additional aircraft from European allies. In particular, according to Belgium’s Ministry of Defense, limited spare parts supplies have delayed the promised F-16 deliveries from that country.
Overall, few details have been released about how Ukraine is using its F-16s, although official and unofficial photos reveal specific details of aircraft loadouts used in operational missions. The air combat patrol versions are equipped with an AIM-9X Sidewinder infrared air-to-air missile and an AIM-120 (AMRAAM) advanced medium-range air-to-air missile. Ukrainian aircraft are also often seen carrying three external fuel tanks for increased endurance.
Source: twz
