[U.S. Department of State Approved: Two Differences from Biden]
On May 2, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of F-16-related equipment and services worth $310.5 million to Ukraine. This announcement was made by the Pentagon's Security Cooperation Bureau, which is responsible for providing military equipment and weapons under government contracts overseas.
The military aid package includes the sale of spare parts, consumables, accessories, ground maintenance equipment for F-16s, as well as repair and return support for fighter jets. According to the release, the service package also includes the following:
-- Personnel training related to F-16 operations, maintenance, and technical support;
-- Delivery and support of classified and unclassified software;
-- Provision of classified and unclassified publications and technical documents;
-- Research and investigation;
-- Engineering, technical, and logistics services from the U.S. government and contractors, as well as other relevant logistics and project support.
The Pentagon's Security Cooperation Bureau stated that "the proposed sale will promote U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of partner nations, with Ukraine being a driving force for political stability and economic progress in Europe."
On April 30, the Trump administration notified Congress of its plan to approve Ukraine's purchase of defense products and services valued at more than $50 million, according to The Kyiv Post. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has indicated that Kyiv is prepared to spend between $30 billion and $50 billion on additional aid packages, including air defense systems.
F-16 is a U.S. fourth-generation multi-role lightweight fighter jet. Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, and Norway have committed to supplying Ukraine with 79 such aircraft. The U.S. is involved in training Ukrainian pilots.
The first batch of F-16s is expected to arrive in Ukraine in July 2024. General Suleytskyi of the Ukrainian Armed Forces pointed out that F-16s will be deployed at a distance of "40 kilometers or further" from the front line to avoid being shot down by Russian forces. Zelenskyy stated that to successfully counter Russia in the air, Ukraine needs 120 to 130 fighters.
According to Forbes data, as of March, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have received approximately 18 aircraft. The media warned that these aircraft may encounter problems after U.S. military aid stops, as radar jamming system support has also ceased. Military aid to Ukraine resumed in mid-March.
This round of military aid highlights the differences between Trump's aid and Biden's: first, the U.S. is no longer providing free military assistance to Ukraine, even old U.S. weapons must be purchased at high cost; second, although Trump revived Biden's arms export plan for Ukraine, the focus was on making money rather than improving Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831101191352320/
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