Reuters reported on 5/3, citing three anonymous sources with direct knowledge of the situation, that Ukraine's F-16 fleet faced a severe shortage of air-to-air missiles between November and December 2025. This critical period coincided with Russia's preparations for a large-scale winter offensive.

During this supply disruption, the entire Ukrainian F-16 force was left with only a few short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. One source revealed that the Ukrainian air force lacked ammunition for its F-16s for nearly a month. "Our partners stated they had no reserve weapons available for transfer," the source noted, without specifying the countries.

F-16 Ukraine used a rotary cannon to shoot down a Russian UAV in a video released on 9/2. Video: X/Status-6

The missile deficit compelled Ukrainian F-16 pilots to utilize 20 mm rotary cannons to intercept Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), shifting their operations primarily to daytime. Conducting these missions at night posed significant dangers, despite Russia's frequent attacks occurring during nighttime and early morning hours.

Images released by the Ukrainian air force in late 2025 showed F-16 fighters equipped solely with older AIM-9L/M short-range air-to-air missiles, manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s. They were no longer carrying the more modern AIM-120B/C or AIM-9X missiles, which the US had supplied during the initial phases of the conflict.

In a desperate move, pilots also attempted to reuse "misfired" missiles – those that had failed in previous interception attempts – hoping they would function after maintenance. "This approach proved successful in some instances," another source indicated.

The critical situation was alleviated in late 12/2025 after partner nations supplied additional AIM-9 missiles to Ukraine. Sources declined to specify the countries involved or the exact missile versions transferred.

A fourth source confirmed that Germany and Canada, both NATO members, had provided AIM-9 ammunition to Ukraine in recent months. Germany's Ministry of Defense refused to comment on the information, while Canada's Ministry of National Defence announced it was transferring AIM-9M-8 missiles to Ukraine.

The Pentagon and the Ukrainian military did not comment on these reports.

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet fires rockets, missiles to shoot down Russian UAVs in a video released on 23/2. Video: Ukrainian Air Force

The United States facilitates weapon sales to its NATO allies for onward aid to Ukraine through the Priority Request List (PURL) mechanism. A NATO official explained that PURL provides Ukraine with vital US-made supplies, including approximately 75% of Patriot interceptor missiles and 90% of ammunition for other air defense systems.

Despite this support, Kyiv continues to face significant challenges in maintaining sufficient air defense ammunition reserves. Russia consistently launches large-scale attacks involving hundreds of UAVs and missiles, necessitating the deployment of extensive air defense and electronic warfare assets by Ukraine to counter them.

In 2023, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium pledged a combined total of 85 US-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with the first deliveries commencing in 8/2024. The AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range missile is considered the most potent air-to-air weapon for Ukraine's F-16s, with each unit costing 1-2 million USD depending on the variant. The AIM-9X short-range missile is more economical, priced at approximately 400,000-500,000 USD per unit.

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet flies during an event in 8/2024. Photo: Reuters

Since beginning F-16 operations in 8/2024, Ukraine has lost 4 fighter jets in combat. The Russian military has also repeatedly targeted Ukrainian F-16 bases with suicide UAVs and missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force Command has implicitly acknowledged hits on these locations but has consistently declined to disclose specific damages.

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, AFP, AP)