Reuters: Ukrainian F-16s Ran Short of Drone-Intercept Missiles for Nearly a Month

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets faced a severe shortage of missiles used to intercept Russian drones and cruise missiles for more than three weeks.

Reuters reported on this, citing informed sources.

According to the sources, the shortage began in late November and lasted until mid-December. During this time, Russia was preparing a large-scale winter campaign of strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

During that time, Ukraine had only a few AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles available for its entire fleet of fighter jets.

Due to the missile shortage, Ukrainian pilots sometimes attempted to intercept Russian drones using onboard cannons during daytime sorties.

Meanwhile, such missions at night are considered too risky, even though most Russian attacks take place during the dark hours.

According to the source, pilots also tried to use missiles that had failed to launch during previous flights, hoping they would work after technical servicing. In some cases, this was successful.

What missiles do Ukrainian F-16s use

Sources told the media that Ukrainian pilots had previously mostly used AIM-9 Sidewinder missile variants produced in the 1970s–1980s.

Despite their age, these missiles provided Ukraine with a relatively inexpensive way to intercept Russian drones and cruise missiles.

The shortage was resolved in December only after new deliveries of air-to-air missiles from partner countries providing military aid to Ukraine.

According to sources, Ukrainian F-16 fighters have already intercepted about 2,000 Russian drones and missiles during combat sorties.

In October, the United States reported that the F-16s transferred to Ukraine account for about 80% of all combat sorties carried out by the Ukrainian Air Force.