Ukraine's air force has been forced to limit the use of air-to-air missiles on some F-16 missions, resorting to gun-only engagements during daytime operations due to dwindling munitions stocks. This constraint affects both defensive and intercept sorties, particularly against Russian cruise missiles and drones.
Why it matters
- The shortage of AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles is reducing the effectiveness of Ukraine's F-16 fleet in air defense roles.
- Commander 'Phantom' of the 107th Tactical Aviation Brigade confirmed the missile deficit, noting a decline in operational effectiveness during recent engagements.
- The crisis extends beyond fighter jets, as Ukraine also faces shortages of interceptors for Patriot and NASAMS systems, which similarly rely on AIM-120-family missiles.
According to The War Zone, Ukrainian F-16s are primarily engaged in countering Russian cruise missiles and Shahed-type drones, with gun kills reported as recently as May 2025, when one pilot destroyed three aerial targets using only the M61A1 cannon. Western allies have been urged to accelerate deliveries of AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles, as well as Patriot interceptors, to alleviate the strain.
Why it matters for Turkey
This missile shortage undermines Ukraine's layered air defense architecture and increases vulnerability to sustained Russian aerial attacks. For Turkey, a key producer of F-16s and related munitions through companies like Roketsan and MKE, the situation highlights the importance of resilient supply chains and joint production initiatives. It also underscores potential opportunities for defense cooperation, including licensed manufacturing or co-production of air-to-air munitions in Ukraine or Europe to sustain long-term operational readiness.
Source: TWZ