Ukraine is facing a serious problem with its F-16 fighter jets, which are crucial to the country’s air defense. These aircraft are capable of effectively countering the new Russian drones that are striking civilian populations, but their maintenance depends on Western aid.
Delays in maintenance mean that a significant portion of the F-16 fleet is unable to carry out combat missions. This month alone, Russia has launched nearly 2,000 jet drones, far exceeding the number in June, when there were approximately 350.
The new drones reach speeds of up to 600 km per hour, making them difficult to intercept with older systems. Ukraine has been able to intercept 55% of Russian jet drones, whereas for older models, that figure was over 90%. F-16 fighter jets can effectively destroy these new threats.
Taking down a single drone with an F-16 costs $25,000 or less. However, after 300 flight hours, the aircraft require technical inspections, which delays their operation. The U.S. has signed a contract worth up to $235.5 million with the Belgian company Sabena Aerospace Engineering for the maintenance of Ukrainian fighter jets.
According to reports, more than half of Ukraine’s F-16s currently require maintenance, and at the current pace, Kyiv may lose the ability to use these aircraft by the end of the year. Retired Lieutenant General David Deptula noted that this indicates a failure to ensure operational readiness.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Belgium will transfer three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026, and other partners may provide even more aircraft. However, Ukraine urgently needs to find alternative means of intercepting Russian drones, as its stockpiles of air defense missiles may run out.
