The United States plans to supply spare parts for the F-16 fighter jets that will be transferred to Ukraine, according to the Pentagon.
The department emphasized that they will not cease support after delivering combat aircraft to Ukraine.
Deputy Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante stated that Ukraine will need spare parts to ensure the maintenance and continued operation of the F-16, and the U.S. is prepared to provide them.
"Whatever we're providing to the Ukrainians, we also have to provide 90 days of spare parts, please, that's a basic rule - 90 days of spare parts," he said.
According to a Pentagon representative, without spare parts, the F-16 fighter jets could become inoperable after just a few months of active flights, and the United States will not allow that.
"We will not allow that. And precisely because other countries are providing their aircraft, we have to make sure - if they don't provide the spare parts, we will find the spare parts and provide them," said LaPlante.
The Pentagon emphasized that the U.S. and partners, including within the Defense Cooperation Group for Ukraine, are working together to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs and is also capable of self-sustainment in the long term.
Ukrainian pilots in the United States began practical flight training on the F-16 in October.
