Ukraine Seeks Massive European Supplies of F-16 Ammunition

Ukraine Seeks Tens of Thousands of F-16 Cannon Rounds

06:01 01-10-2026

Ukraine is seeking tens of thousands of 20mm rounds for F-16 fighters as reports point to missile shortages, aircraft losses and maintenance problems.

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Ukraine’s military and political leadership is trying to secure large-scale ammunition supplies for F-16 fighter jets from European allies and defense manufacturers. Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that Kyiv is seeking tens of thousands of 20mm rounds for the aircraft’s cannons.

Unlike interceptor missiles used by Patriot air defense systems, this type of ammunition is available in many countries. However, the agency’s sources did not identify the governments or companies involved in the talks with Kyiv.

Earlier, former Volodymyr Zelensky press secretary Yulia Mendel said Ukrainian forces had nearly exhausted their stocks of AIM-120 and AIM-9 missiles used by F-16 fighters.

Separately, media sources within Russian security structures claimed that Kyiv had lost a large number of F-16s while attempting to intercept drones launched by the Russian Armed Forces.

The Wall Street Journal has also reported that delays in maintenance and servicing are already creating serious difficulties for the operation of F-16 aircraft by the Ukrainian Air Force.