The U.S. Reconciled With Ukraine and Sent F-16s as a Gesture of Goodwill. The Problem? They Don’t Fly

The U.S. recently signed a long-awaited deal with Ukraine to allow Washington to access and exploit its strategic minerals and rare earth elements. Under this agreement, the U.S. gains preferential rights and investment capabilities over the European country’s natural resources. Minerals and elements include titanium, zirconium, graphite, gas, oil, and manganese.

This framework aims to bolster reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country without imposing any debt on Kyiv. Additionally, the U.S. has resumed its aid in the ongoing conflict.

A new deal. The primary mechanism for this collaboration will be the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, a bi-national entity with equal representation. This fund will oversee new licenses without impacting existing companies or previously committed budgets. For Ukrainian authorities, the agreement signifies a partnership focused on investment, technology, and shared autonomy rather than economic subordination.

The logic of the agreement. Notably, the new deal explicitly removes Ukrainian debt obligations to the U.S. This provision addresses President Donald Trump’s recurring criticisms regarding the lack of retribution for U.S. military assistance. Trump expects to get $350 billion from the new minerals deal.

Ukrainian economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that the agreement doesn’t alter the legal status of public or private companies in the extractive industry. She said that the fund’s revenues will come exclusively from new licenses and that current public funds will remain untouched.

Technology and deterrence. The agreement doesn’t specify explicit commitments regarding military aid. However, both the official narrative and political statements indicate a renewed willingness from the Trump administration to provide support.

For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the minerals deal opens the door to a sustained influx of investment and technology transfer. Both are essential for economic development and defensive purposes. Svyrydenko added that the U.S. will assist in attracting key technologies to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia, including potential projects related to air defense systems.

From Washington, the message is clear. The new deal also serves as a strategic pressure instrument, solidifying alignment against Moscow. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the agreement sends a strong message to the Kremlin that the U.S. is committed to a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine in the long term. Trump defended the deal as a means to protect U.S. investments and strengthen Ukraine’s position against a “much larger and more powerful” Russia.

The first “aid package” is already on its way.

Non-operational F-16s. The U.S. has started shipping retired and non-operational F-16 fighters to Ukraine, sourced from its renowned Arizona “boneyard.” The primary purpose of this initiative is to provide crucial spare parts for the increasing fleet of F-16s donated by European countries.

The Air Force confirmed the news after images showed wrapped and partially disassembled airframes loaded onto a Ukrainian An-124 in Tucson. This gesture marks a new phase in the complex maintenance logistics necessary for using these veteran Western fighters in active combat against Russia.

The shipped aircraft lack essential components such as engines, radar, and wings, rendering them unusable for flight. However, they still hold value for the parts they possess, many of which are in short supply in Europe. The fighters are headed for Rzeszów-Jasionka, a vital logistics hub in Southeastern Poland for the transit of military aid to Ukraine. This reinforces the belief that the F-16s will be integrated into the support system rather than used in active operations.

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An international fleet. Ukraine is expected to receive up to 85 F-16s in flying condition: 24 from the Netherlands, 19 from Denmark, 12 from Norway (which will also donate an additional 10 aircraft solely for spare parts), and 30 pledged by Belgium. However, some aircraft will be designated for pilot training at the F-16 training center in Romania, reducing their direct combat readiness.

In addition to the logistical challenges of maintaining an aging fleet, there have already been losses on the front lines. Two fighters were down, resulting in the deaths of their pilots during defensive missions. As such, the supply of dismantled airframes from the U.S. represents a strategic relief for maintenance, even if it doesn’t enhance direct offensive capability.

Configuration and tactical capability. Ukrainian F-16s have been deployed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Ukraine has used AIM-9X and AMRAAM missiles for air defense, as well as GBU-39/B guided bombs mounted in BRU-61 racks. This provides the Ukrainian army with a capability for surgical strikes.

Additionally, some configurations feature three external fuel tanks to maximize range without aerial refueling. Meanwhile, electronic warfare systems such as the AN/ALQ-131 improve survivability in hostile environments. The units include specialized internal electronic enhancements for threat detection and countermeasure deployment.

Aircraft graveyard as a vital resource. The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, home to the official Air Force boneyard, preserves hundreds of F-16 airframes in varying conditions. This collection includes 150 F-16As, 27 F-16Bs, 143 F-16Cs, and 22 F-16Ds, though many are unfit for flight.

Many reusable aircraft have been repurposed as aggressor aircraft for the Navy and Air Force or converted into QF-16 aerial targets for training purposes. The diminishing stock of operational F-16s has led the U.S. to extend the service life of those still in active duty. For now, Washington has refrained from delivering flyable units to Ukraine.

Limited supplies. Additionally, the delayed delivery of F-16s from European allies is primarily due to a shortage of spare parts. The technical challenges involved in making these fighters operational make obtaining these parts an urgent priority. This is especially difficult for an air force previously structured around Soviet platforms.

The Ukrainian air fleet must incorporate new technology and tactical training and adapt to a completely different maintenance system. It lacks the infrastructure and accumulated experience that NATO nations possess. In this context, although seemingly modest, the airframes arriving from Arizona become essential for maintaining the operability of the fighters currently in the air.

Wear and tear over time. While the American F-16s will never fly again, their value is helping other fighters remain operational. Their role is crucial in a conflict where each air mission is critical to defending against the increasing capabilities of Russian missiles and fighters.

Beyond simply increasing the number of aircraft, Ukraine’s real challenge will be keeping them operational, well-supplied, and effective in an increasingly difficult environment. In this context, the U.S. contribution, even if indirect, takes on significant strategic importance.

Image | Airwolfhound

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