{"id":131595,"date":"2026-02-01T21:09:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T15:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=131595"},"modified":"2026-02-01T19:59:56","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T14:29:56","slug":"us-to-maintain-f-16-fighter-jets-of-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/01\/us-to-maintain-f-16-fighter-jets-of-ukraine\/","title":{"rendered":"US Contact Sabena to Maintain F-16 Jets of One of Most Dangerous Countries in the World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BRUSSELS-<\/strong> The US Department of Defense (DoD) has contracted Sabena Aerospace to maintain European F-16 fighter jet engines and manage materials supporting Ukraine\u2019s growing fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The agreement funds intermediate and depot-level maintenance for donated aircraft, strengthening Ukraine\u2019s air defense capacity as more F-16s enter service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: WikiImages – pixabay.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sabena Aerospace to Support Ukraine\u2019s Incoming F-16 Fleet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The US Department of Defense awarded Sabena Aerospace a contract covering engine maintenance and logistics support for European F-16 fighter aircraft<\/a> that will join Ukraine\u2019s Air Force fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The work will take place at Sabena Aerospace\u2019s Brussels facilities for at least three years. Contract data released on 29 January 2026 shows that nearly $70 million has already been allocated from a total funding ceiling of $235 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The contract focuses on intermediate and depot-level maintenance. These maintenance categories involve complex repairs, inspections, and overhauls that exceed the capability of regular Air Force engineering units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine began operating F-16s in August 2024, but sustaining combat readiness requires deep industrial support networks, especially as aircraft operate in high-tempo combat environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sabena Aerospace has supported Belgian military aircraft for over five decades and maintains multiple aircraft types, including A400M, C-130, Alphajet, A109, Mirage, and A-10 platforms. The company also seeks participation in future European F-35 and SkyGuardian programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company declined public comment on details related to the new contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Belgian Air Component | Photo: NATO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

European F-16 Donations Continue to Expand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

European nations are retiring legacy F-16 fleets as they transition to F-35 Lightning II fighters<\/a>. Many of these aircraft are now pledged to Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confirmed commitments include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n