Ukraine’s F-16s are so short of Western missiles that pilots fall back on jet’s built-in M61A1 Vulcan cannon, which risks killing civilians below
The AIM missiles the jets are rationing are the same ones defending Kyiv from the ground.
Ukraine's F-16 pilots are facing a severe shortage of air-to-air missiles, forcing them to rely on their jet's built-in M61A1 Vulcan cannon during daytime sorties. Instead of employing the more effective AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and AIM-9 Sidewinder, Ukrainian forces are left with the M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon.
Utilizing the cannon poses risks, as its rounds can strike a wide area upon impact, potentially endangering innocent civilians. Furthermore, these AIM missiles are the same ones used in the NASAMS batteries protecting Kyiv, leading to competition for limited stock. The shortage has prompted calls for more air-to-air missiles, Patriot batteries, and an increase in local production to boost Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian drones and cruise missiles.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
