Reuters: Ukrainian F-16s short of missiles for several weeks

From late November to mid-December, Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets did not have enough missiles to shoot down Russian drones and missiles because supplies from foreign partners had been exhausted. This is according to three sources familiar with the situation.

According to the sources, Ukraine had only a small number of American AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles available for its entire F-16 fleet at the time. Meanwhile, Russia was conducting its winter military campaign.

During the shortage, F-16 pilots flew mainly daytime missions and attempted to shoot down drones using rotary cannons. Night operations were considered too risky, as Russian drone attacks often take place after dark. At the same time, pilots tried to reuse missiles that had failed in previous missions, hoping they would function again after maintenance.

Ukraine largely uses older versions of AIM-9 missiles manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s. These nevertheless provide a relatively inexpensive way to destroy Russian drones and guided missiles.

The shortage was resolved in December when Ukraine received new AIM-9 missiles from foreign partners shortly before a major Russian attack. According to one source, Germany and Canada were among the suppliers in recent months

(reuters, est)