Ukraine faces critical shortage of missiles for F-16s — pilots use cannons

Ukrainian F-16 pilots are facing an acute shortage of air-to-air missiles and are forced to conserve them. During some combat sorties, the fighters use onboard cannons to destroy Russian aerial targets.

This was reported by the commander of a Ukrainian F-16 squadron, call sign "Phantom", in an interview with the American TV channel Newsmax, which was distributed by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on September 16.

According to the pilot, Ukraine lacks AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles used by fighters to engage aerial targets. The limited weapons stocks have to be allocated taking into account the intensity of Russian air attacks.

"Phantom" confirmed that during some missions Ukrainian F-16s are forced to use built-in aircraft cannons instead of missiles.

"Any aircraft without weapons is a useless tool", — said the squadron commander.

He emphasized that Ukraine needs an increase in supplies of both aircraft missiles for F-16s and interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. Another option, according to "Phantom", would be to provide Ukraine with the ability to produce the necessary weapons under license.

Ukrainian F-16s are used, among other things, to protect cities and critical infrastructure from Russian cruise missiles and drones. The ammunition shortage for fighters becomes especially significant amid the increasing number and characteristics of aerial targets that Russia employs during massive attacks.

The shortage of AIM-9 and AIM-120 was previously also reported by Western media. In particular, in early September, the specialized publication The War Zone, citing a conversation with "Phantom", wrote that the available stocks of aircraft missiles have to be rationed.

On September 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced an aid package for Ukrainian air defense agreed with Canada worth about $270 million. Among other things, it is to include missiles for Patriot and ammunition for Ukrainian F-16s.

However, the Ukrainian side continues to emphasize the need to significantly increase supplies of air defense systems. In addition to aircraft missiles, Kyiv has repeatedly drawn partners' attention to the shortage of Patriot interceptors, used primarily against the most difficult aerial threats.

Based on materials: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Newsmax