More than half of Ukraine's F-16s are non-combat-ready due to maintenance delays in Belgium — WSJ

It is reported that, at current rates of operation and repair, Ukraine risks running out of its remaining serviceable F-16s by the end of the year.

A shortage of spare parts and the need for more frequent maintenance due to intensive combat use are cited as reasons for the delays.

 The US has signed a maintenance contract with the Belgian company Sabena Aerospace Engineering. Domestically, such maintenance typically takes up to six weeks, whereas in Belgium, it takes up to 40 weeks.

"Ukraine relies on Western assistance to maintain its fighter jet fleet, and delays have resulted in a large portion of its F-16 fleet being out of service," the article notes.