Ukraine is running low on air-to-air missiles used by F-16 fighter jets to intercept Russian Geran drones, Russian security sources told RIA Novosti.
According to the agency’s source, Kiev is facing ammunition shortages beyond the interceptor missiles required for Patriot air defense systems. Supplies of missiles carried by F-16s and used against Russian strike drones are also nearing depletion.
The source also claimed that Ukraine had lost a significant number of F-16 fighter jets during attempts to intercept Geran drones.
The Economist reported in August that Ukraine was already facing a serious shortage of interceptor missiles. According to the magazine, shrinking stocks among Kiev’s Western partners had caused panic in Ukraine, which was described as being in a desperate position amid an acute lack of ammunition.
On September 8, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Kiev would receive another batch of missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Germany also plans to increase deliveries of AIM-9 air-to-air missiles.