Ukraine, Mar 05 : Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets went for over three weeks without sufficient U.S.-made missiles, leaving the fleet under-equipped to counter Russian drones and missile strikes during Moscow’s major winter offensive, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
From late November to mid-December 2025, Ukraine had only a handful of AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air missiles for its entire squadron. Pilots had to rely on rotary cannons, older missile variants from the 1970s and 1980s, or previously malfunctioning missiles that were repaired in hopes they would work. This temporary shortage highlighted Ukraine’s heavy dependence on Western partners for critical munitions and exposed vulnerabilities in its layered air defence system.
Western Support and Supply Delays
The scarcity was reportedly due to limited stock availability among Ukraine’s allies, though the exact cause remains unclear. NATO’s PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) mechanism provides U.S. weapons to Ukraine via allied nations, and recent deliveries from Germany and Canada helped alleviate the shortfall by mid-December, just before a major Russian assault. Ukrainian officials have largely kept such operational gaps confidential.
Air Defence Under Pressure
F-16s, introduced to Ukraine in 2024, play a crucial role in countering airborne threats, intercepting drones and missiles alongside helicopters and ground-based systems. During the shortage, pilots restricted daytime sorties to mitigate risk. The shortage also affected NASAMS surface-to-air systems, which use AIM-120 missiles, as these high-cost interceptors were reserved for critical targets rather than cheaper Russian drones.
Ongoing Strategic Challenges
Even with the supply restored, Ukraine faces continued challenges in securing enough missiles to sustain its expansive air defence network. Russian forces maintain a high tempo of attacks, with hundreds of drones and missiles deployed during large-scale operations. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had previously urged allies to supply more ammunition, highlighting the enduring strain on Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
Focus on Air Superiority
The temporary shortage underscores the strategic importance of continuous Western support in maintaining Ukraine’s air superiority. F-16s have already intercepted thousands of drones and missiles since their deployment, demonstrating the high stakes of timely munitions deliveries in sustaining operational readiness against Russia’s aerial onslaught.
Key Takeaway
Ukraine’s experience emphasizes the vulnerability of dependent defence systems during prolonged conflicts and the critical need for reliable supply chains to sustain frontline capabilities.