An American F-16 Fighting Falcon flies over England on April 15, 2025. The U.S. State Department approved a $310.5 million sale to Ukraine for training and equipment related to its fleet of F-16 jets. (Zachary Jakel/U.S. Air Force)
Ukraine has the State Department’s go-ahead for a $310.5 million deal with the U.S. for training and equipment related to its F-16s, a purchase that will also foster greater cooperation with the Air Force, according to the agency.
The proposed sale, approved last week and pending final authorization from Congress, will improve Ukraine’s ability to meet threats by ensuring that its pilots are well-trained, the department said in a statement.
The sale, which includes aircraft upgrades, personnel training, software and logistics support, comes shortly after the two nations signed a deal that will give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vast minerals and natural resources cache.
The announcement also came amid reports that Ukrainian forces had shot down two Russian Su-30 fighter jets using Magura-7 sea drones equipped with modified U.S.-made missiles, pulling off what Ukraine said is a military first.
Ukrainian military intelligence released footage of one of the strikes, which it said happened May 2.
During a meeting with President Donald Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral in April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he wanted to strengthen his country’s air defenses and purchase American weapons.
