The State Department has decided to approve a possible foreign military sale to the Ukrainian government of F-16 training and maintenance support and related equipment worth 310.5 million dollars.
[[/link_direct]] This is reported by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency in its notification to Congress.
It is noted that the government of Ukraine is requesting the procurement of equipment and services in support of its F-16 aircraft, which will include:
- aircraft modification and modernization;
- personnel training related to the operation, maintenance, and support of technical support;
- spare parts, consumables and supplies, and repair support;
- ground equipment;
- delivery and support of classified and unclassified software;
- classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys;
- U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services;
- other related logistics and program support elements.
"The estimated total value is $310.5 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a partner nation that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the statement said.
It is also noted that the proposed sale will improve Ukraine's ability to meet current and future threats by ensuring that its pilots are effectively trained and enhancing its interoperability with the United States through integrated training with the U.S. Air Force. This proposed sale is consistent with the international coalition's contribution to the establishment of Ukraine's F-16 program and the overall modernization of the Ukrainian Air Force.
The prime contractors will be Valiant Integrated Services, located in Herndon, Virginia; Top Aces Corporation, located in Mesa, Arizona; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, located in Fort Worth, Texas; Pratt and Whitney, located in East Hartford, Connecticut; Snap-on, Inc, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin; BAE Systems, Inc. located in Falls Church, Virginia; AAR Corporation located in Wood Dale, Illinois; and Comsetra, LLC located in Grove, Oklahoma.
"The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and the dollar value is based on initial claims. The actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority and signed sales agreements, if and when they are executed," the Agency summarizes.
