US greenlights $310mn deal for Ukraine's F-16 training, sustainment
Iran Press TV
Saturday, 03 May 2025 6:47 AM
The United States Department of State has given the go-ahead for a potential $310 million sale of F-16 training, sustainment, and related equipment to Ukraine, according to the Pentagon, only days after Kiev signed a deal granting Washington access to its rare minerals.
The Pentagon said in a statement on Friday that the weapons and others purchased with US funds on behalf of Ukraine and shipped via the same channels continue to flow.
It added that the sale represents an actual weapons deal whose principal contractors include Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, BAE Systems, and AAR Corporation.
The deal will include ground handling equipment, classified and unclassified software delivery and support, studies and surveys, US Government and contractor engineering, and logistics support services, the statement noted.
As part of the deal, Ukraine will also reportedly receive M1 Abrams battle tanks and long-range missiles besides the transfer of F-16s.
Under a jet transfer authorized by former US President Joe Biden's administration, Ukraine has previously received F-16 jets from US allies in its war against Russia since 2022.
During Biden's tenure, the US provided Ukraine with $31 billion worth of weapons and equipment under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).
The regulation allows the president to approve rapid transfers to foreign countries from US military stockpiles, without having to seek congressional approval.
On Wednesday, the US and Ukraine signed a long-awaited deal on Ukraine's rare minerals that allows the US to have access to Ukraine's valuable rare minerals and set up the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.
Trump promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war 24 hours into his election as US president. However, the ongoing conflict is fueled by US's frequent military support for Ukraine, and a pseudo-diplomatic gesture towards Russia that fails to present a contextual plan for peace.
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