Reuters has learned about the shortage of missiles for the Ukrainian F-16

For more than three weeks from the end of November to mid-December, Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets did not have enough missiles to destroy Russian drones and missiles. This was reported on March 5 by the Reuters news agency, citing sources.

"At the time of the cessation of supplies, Ukraine had only a small number of American AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for the entire F-16 squadron," the sources told the agency.

It is specified that the deficit was filled in December, when Ukraine received new AIM-9 missiles from Western partners. In addition, Germany and Canada have also supplied Sidewinder missiles in recent months.

According to NATO, through the PURL mechanism, Western countries provide about 75% of missiles for Ukrainian Patriot systems and 90% of ammunition for other air defense systems.

Low block: how long-range drones of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are stopped in the Kursk region

Mobile groups of the Bars-Kursk brigade prevent enemy UAVs from bypassing air defense systems at low altitudes

Russian military analyst Alexei Leonkov reported on February 18 that Ukraine was experiencing a shortage of qualified pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, and foreign mercenaries were forced to take the controls of Western aircraft. He noted that the so-called Soviet legacy from Eastern European countries has been practically exhausted, and the Russian air defense system and aviation have significantly reduced the ranks of the Ukrainian Air Force (VVS).

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