Expert: F-16 appearance in Ukraine may lead to creation of new maintenance companies

F-16 fighter jets may be relocated for more complex maintenance to countries that are members of the Aviation Capabilities Coalition, as the costs of their maintenance, including consumables, weapons systems and pilot training, require significant resources. This opinion was expressed by military expert Valeriy Ryabykh in a commentary to UNN.

In the conditions of combat units, where mechanics can perform routine maintenance, such as refueling with technical fluids and making changes to the electronic circuitry and so on, that is, simple work can be performed in the conditions of a combat unit. For more complex work, these aircraft must be maintained in the factory, at special enterprises with special diagnostic equipment and personnel

According to him, what we have in Ukraine now are a few companies that can be involved in servicing Soviet-era vehicles.

He said that there are certain issues with maintenance, because even if an aircraft is sold, the issue of ensuring its life cycle must be resolved - this is one of the requirements. Contracts may even include obligations to build an aircraft repair plant.

"Given that there is no talk of building aircraft plants in Ukraine yet, maintenance issues will be resolved within the Aviation Capabilities Coalition, which will take over the work of ensuring their life cycle," Ryabykh said.

The expert noted that for more complex training, F-16s could be relocated to other countries that are members of the Aviation Capabilities Coalition.

"Maintenance of the F-16, including consumables, weapon systems, repairs, and pilot training, is a rather significant expense that will account for a significant share of the defense budget," Ryabykh said.

He noted that despite the high cost of maintaining the fighter jets, their stay in Ukraine could lead to the creation of new plants and investors.

"In the future, thanks to the new plants, Ukraine will be able to access advanced technologies and develop new areas of defense production," Ryabykh added.

Recall

On August 4, President Zelenskiy announces the arrival of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. 

Earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing its sources, that the first F-16 fighter jets had arrived in Ukraine. 

Subsequently, The Times reported that six F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands had arrived in Ukraine and that several more aircraft from Denmark were expected to arrive soon, although there was no official confirmation of this information.