Ukraine has received approval from the United States to purchase a package of F-16 sustainment services and related equipment. This approval, issued by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), is a necessary part of the procedure and includes a detailed list of purchases and a maximum estimated price: in this case, it's $266.4 million.
The package includes: Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) software, AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL), the so-called Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program (CIP), spare parts, consumables, additional software, as well as associated logistical, training, and other services.
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"This proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust air defense capability," the permit reads.
The document also reveals that the main contractor for the implementation of this contract in the interests of Ukraine will be the Belgian Sabena, the American Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and Pratt & Whitney.
Now let's break down some of these articles. The Joint Mission Planning System is a special software for automated planning of operations and ensuring cohesion between different units using modern command and control systems. It allows the commanders to create flight sorties of any complexity.
That said, in order to download this plan into an F-16's onboard computer, a device called the AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL) is needed. First of all, it guarantees secure data transmission, but generally, this device is versatile and is used by all U.S. armed forces for programming and administering software, its components and downloading data packages.
Next, the Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program (CIP) is about routine maintenance and repair of F-16 aircraft engines, which includes all measures to ensure their maintenance in working condition.
In summary, ordering such a package of services by Ukraine is a standard measure undertaken by F-16 operators that is necessary to maintain American fighters in combat readiness and generally their full combat potential in accordance with operational norms.
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