According to The War Zone, Ukrainian F-16 pilots are facing a serious shortage of air-to-air missiles, forcing crews on some missions to rely solely on the fighter’s internal cannon.
The publication says Ukraine’s remaining missile stocks are now being strictly rationed. A commander of the Ukrainian Air Force’s 107th Wing, known by the call sign «Phantom," confirmed that ammunition shortages are affecting operations. He said cruise missiles and drones remain the primary targets for F-16s.
The shortage increases the risks for pilots, particularly when the 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon has to be used instead of guided missiles during nighttime interceptions of slow-moving aerial targets. Phantom stressed that supplying aircraft alone is not enough and that Ukraine also needs a steady flow of AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles, as well as interceptors for Patriot air defense systems.
The War Zone noted that the problem is compounded by the fact that AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles are also used by ground-based air defense systems, including NASAMS. Strong global demand for air defense weapons has pushed Western manufacturers to ration deliveries.
Against this backdrop, Kiev is calling on its partners to localize production of these munitions either in Ukraine or elsewhere in Europe.