Ukraine’s F-16 pilots turn to guns as air-to-air missile supplies run low
Ukrainian F-16 pilots are rationing US-made air-to-air missiles and sometimes relying on their aircraft’s onboard cannons to shoot down Russian aerial targets as missile supplies run low, according to a Ukrainian F-16 squadron commander.
The pilot, who uses the callsign Phantom, said Ukraine needs additional AIM-9 and AIM-120 air-to-air missiles as well as interceptors for its Patriot air defense systems.
The Ukrainian Air Force, which shared Phantom’s interview with US broadcaster Newsmax, said the missile shortage had become severe enough that pilots were rationing their supplies and using F-16 cannons on some combat missions against Russian aerial threats.
Phantom called for increased supplies of missiles or licenses allowing Ukraine to produce them domestically, warning that an aircraft without weapons is a “useless tool.”
Ukraine uses its US-made F-16s to intercept Russian drones and cruise missiles, among other missions.
The aircraft are equipped with the six-barrel 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon. Ukrainian pilots have previously used the gun against aerial targets, although doing so can carry additional risks, particularly when engaging small, slow-moving targets at close range.
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