Ukraine sources F-16 ammunition worldwide, some shipments already en route — Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday, October 5, that Kyiv is sourcing ammunition for F-16 fighter jets worldwide, with some shipments already en route to the country. Zelensky described the F-16 as one of the most effective tools for downing Russian jet-powered drones, and said he discussed strengthening air defense with French President Emmanuel Macron and the prime ministers of Poland and the Netherlands. He added that Ukraine is preparing new contracts for air defense systems and missiles, without disclosing details. The president identified protecting infrastructure from ballistic missiles as the biggest current challenge and called on partners to provide more anti-ballistic defense systems. The ammunition shortage for F-16s emerged in early September, with Ukraine using AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles against Russian drones, while Belgium, Spain, and Poland have begun supplying 20mm rounds.