Ukraine upgrading F-16 fighter jet fleet as part of first US purchase under new minerals deal 

The State Department approved the sale of F-16 fighter jet training, sustainment and equipment to Ukraine on Friday in the first deal related to the recently signed mineral rights agreement. 

The $310.5 million equipment and services being purchased by Ukraine will allow the US to earn credit in an investment fund established by the minerals deal — inked Wednesday — where profits will be split 50/50. 

Ukraine’s purchase includes includes “aircraft modifications and upgrades; personnel training related to operation, maintenance, and sustainment support; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; ground handling equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement. 

The $310.5 million purchase allows Ukraine to upgrade its fleet of F-16 aircraft. YONHAP/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Ukraine received F-16s from NATO and advanced weaponry for the aircraft from the US last July. 

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the agency noted. 

“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring its pilots are effectively trained and by increasing its interoperability with the United States through comprehensive training with the U.S. Air Force,” DSCA added. “This proposed sale aligns with international coalition contributions for the establishment of Ukraine’s F-16 program and the overall modernization of Ukraine’s air force.” 

The investment fund, which is expected to generate revenue through oil, gas and mineral rights licenses sold in Ukraine, allows the Trump administration a new path to send weapons and military gear to Kyiv without spending taxpayer dollars. 

Washington and Kyiv signed the minerals deal on Wednesday, just days after Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky had a sitdown while attending Pope Francis’ funeral. UKRAINIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY/AFP via Getty Images

“If, after the effective date, the Government of the United States of America delivers new military assistance to the Government of Ukraine in any form — including the donation of weapons systems, ammunition, technology or training — the capital contribution of the U.S. Partner will be deemed to be increased by the assessed value of such military assistance,” the mineral deal said.

Exactly how much each side will be required to contribute to the fund has yet to be determined.