Ukrainian F-16s fought off attacks without US missiles for three weeks
Photo: Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian F-16s did not have a sufficient number of American missiles to destroy Russian drones and missiles for more than three weeks, reports Reuters.
It is about AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Agency sources said their shortage lasted from late November to mid-December — exactly when Russia was preparing large-scale winter strikes against Ukraine.
At the moment when the supplies were suspended, the Armed Forces of Ukraine had a limited number of such missiles for the entire squadron of aircraft.
The shortage of ammunition led to Ukrainian pilots being forced to use onboard cannons to destroy drones and to carry out mainly daytime combat sorties. Night missions were significantly more dangerous, since most enemy drone attacks took place at night.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine also tried to reuse missiles that failed during launches after technical maintenance.
Situation improved only in December
The situation partially improved in December when partners transferred new batches of AIM-9 missiles to Ukraine. Sources did not say which countries provided the ammunition to Kyiv.
Other Reuters sources noted that in recent months, Germany and Canada have supplied Sidewinder missiles to Ukraine. Canada confirmed the transfer of additional AIM-9 missiles from its stockpiles.
Aid for Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed recently that the priority for Ukraine remains obtaining air defense systems and artillery to protect critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.
Rutte clarified the United States plans to supply Ukraine with weapons worth about $625 million as part of upcoming aid packages.
At the same time, political discussions continue in the United States about the format of support. US President Donald Trump once again stated that Ukraine should receive assistance in the form of a loan.
