In 4 Words: It Will Never Happen – While a hypothetical game-changer, supplying the F-35 stealth fighter to Ukraine is currently unfeasible for several key reasons.
The prohibitive cost, estimated at $80-$100 million per aircraft plus a $42,000 cost per flight hour, is beyond Ukraine’s wartime economy.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian Air Force lacks the extensive training, specialized maintenance infrastructure, and climate-controlled hangars required to operate the advanced jet.
Critically, the US is unwilling to risk the F-35’s sensitive stealth technology falling into Russian hands if one were shot down.
For now, the focus remains on integrating the more practical F-16 fighters into Ukrainian service.
What Would Happen If The US Sold Ukraine The F-35?
I know… It’s impossible at present; they won’t even get the F-15EX as we pointed out in a different article for a multitude of reasons, which would be even more pronounced with the F-35 stealth fighter.
But we were posed the question, so here goes. I suppose the first question would be, why won’t Ukraine get the F-35?
Several factors make it unlikely that Ukraine would receive the F-35 fighter jet, at least in the short term.
Why Wouldn’t Ukraine Get the F-35 Stealth Fighter?
There may be a time in the not-so-near future that Washington and Kyiv could strike a deal for the F-35.
That would have to be long after the war is over, and Ukraine is still a free country. But some of the reasons why it isn’t feasible are the following examples.
No F-35 For Lots of Reasons
The very high cost of buying one. The F-35 is one of the most expensive fighter jets in the world, with a price tag of around $80 to $100 million per aircraft.
The ongoing war has shattered Ukraine’s economy. This makes purchasing a fleet of F-35s financially prohibitive.
The F-35 is a highly advanced aircraft requiring extensive training for pilots and ground crews, as well as specialized maintenance and support infrastructure. Ukraine’s air force, currently equipped with older Soviet-era aircraft, lacks the necessary expertise and resources to operate and maintain the F-35.
This would require training maintenance technicians on how to treat and maintain the stealth coatings on the aircraft. The F-35A cost per flight hour is $42,000. And the maintenance must be conducted in climate controlled hangars.
The F-35 incorporates cutting-edge stealth technology and other sensitive systems. There are concerns that this technology could fall into the hands of Russia if an F-35 were shot down or captured. The U.S. is cautious about exporting its most advanced military technologies to non-NATO allies, such as Ukraine.
Russia Would Be Pretty Upset
Providing Ukraine with the F-35 could be seen as a significant escalation by Russia, potentially leading to a wider conflict. I know this is the prudent action here, but seeing that we’re dealing in hypotheticals, my two cents is that the US and the West have spent far too much time worrying about what Russia may think is escalation. At the same time, they bomb civilians and not military targets every day. Let them stew on that for a while, which is why I don’t get paid to make those calls.
While this stealth fighter could potentially shift the balance of power in Ukraine’s favor, some analysts believe the risk of escalation outweighs the potential benefits.
Ukraine is currently prioritizing other military needs, such as ground forces and air defense systems, which are seen as more critical to the war effort. Resources are limited, and the F-35 would require a massive investment that could divert funds from other areas that they don’t have.
Ukraine is currently focused on integrating and utilizing the F-16 fighters being supplied by its Western partners. The F-16 is a proven and capable aircraft that can significantly support Ukraine’s air force. Ukraine’s success with the F-16s is being assessed before considering further steps, such as acquiring the F-35.
What Would It Do In the Current War Situation?
Now for the meat and potatoes of the hypotheticals.
Many experts feel that Russia would see Ukraine flying F-35s as a serious escalation. That is because it would be. Russia doesn’t have anything like it.
The Su-57 was ridiculed by Chinese spectators and media at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2024 for its exposed bolts, gaps, and generally poor workmanship, which would negatively impact its stealth properties. And the Su-57 is supposed to be the answer to the F-35.
While losing an aircraft such as the F-35 over Russian-held territory would be an abject disaster, the F-35 would clean house against Russian forces in Ukraine with its stealth technology. And the threat of flying them into Russian airspace would always be there…however.
While the F-35 could be a game-changer for Ukraine, the logistical, financial, and geopolitical challenges make it unlikely …for now. The focus remains on providing Ukraine with the resources it needs to defend itself effectively with the available technology.
But the Ukrainian pilots would love an F-35 Lightning II or 20.
About the Author
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
More Fighters
China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter Looks Like a Powerhouse
China’s White Emperor Space Fighter Looks Fake
China’s Aircraft Carriers Have Arrived (Just Not Nuclear Carriers)
