Ukrainian Air Force receives first Mobile Maintenance Complexes for F-16 aircraft
At the request of the Ministry of Defence and with the support of the state-owned company ‘Ukrnafta’, the Charity Foundation ‘Come Back Alive’ has handed over unique maintenance complexes for F-16 aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The Air Force received two technical hubs for aircraft and aviation weapons, as well as one mission planning unit.
“This complex is critically needed by Air Force specialists. The need for such a complex arose due to the dispersed aircraft basing system and a shortage of qualified personnel. The implementation of this project will significantly accelerate the aircraft maintenance process and enhance our mobility,” said Oleksandr Kozenko, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine.
Globally, the maintenance and arming of F-16 aircraft is carried out primarily using stationary complexes. However, due to ongoing enemy attacks on Ukrainian airfields, ensuring the safety of aviation assets is becoming increasingly difficult.
The mobile complexes are expected to resolve this issue, enabling teams to reach aircraft that have performed forced manoeuvres or emergency landings. Additionally, they will streamline maintenance procedures and allow the involvement of fewer personnel.
Composition of Mobile Complexes:
- The Mission Planning Complex: serves as a command post for conducting pre-flight briefings and close-in airspace control. It includes a module with workstations for five to seven operators, as well as a living module equipped with everything needed for proper rest — including a shower, kitchen area, and sleeping space.
- Maintenance Complex: includes a workshop for the preparation and inspection of aviation weapons, two vans for transporting and mounting munitions on aircraft, and a pickup truck for team transport, routine tasks, logistics, and related needs.
The total value of the transferred equipment is UAH 51,354,554, of which UAH 49,438,176 was contributed by Ukrnafta.
“This project is the Foundation’s first initiative focused on supporting the F-16. It addresses two tasks: first, as a mobile mission planning command post; second, for the preparation and deployment of aviation weapons. This unique technical solution was implemented in cooperation with the domestic defense industry. It is based on actual needs arising from a real war. We will continue supporting this direction and adapt the solutions as needed for other aircraft Ukraine receives,” said Taras Chmut, Director of the ‘Come Back Alive’ Foundation.
