F-16 in a dead end: The number of Russian attacks is growing, and Ukrainian Air Force fighters are critically short of missiles, — TWZ
The Ukrainian Air Force has almost no means left to shoot down UAVs, and the situation is becoming a dead end.
During some sorties, pilots had to rely solely on the fighters' built-in cannons.
This primarily refers to AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force is literally counting the hours and minutes until new missiles reach the aircraft. The main question is whether they will arrive in time for the next massive Russian attack.
The problem is that the cannon is far from a full replacement for missiles. This method of interception is significantly more risky, especially at night and against small targets. Meanwhile, F-16s are used to intercept Russian drones and cruise missiles, and they can also operate against combat aviation.
Ukraine needs AIM-9 and AIM-120, as well as additional air defense systems.
Moreover, AIM-9 and, especially, AIM-120 are also used in Ukraine's ground-based air defense systems. In particular, AMRAAM is the warhead element of NASAMS, which protects Kyiv from cruise missiles and drones.
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