Ukraine Seeks Boost In F-16 Fleet, Jet-Powered-Drone Interception

Ukraine is seeking additional F-16s and rapidly produced interceptors as jet-powered Russian attack drones place new pressure on its air defenses. Belgian aircraft expected before year-end could increase the available fleet, while Kyiv is also requesting urgent supplies of air-to-air missiles and other ammunition from European partners. The effort reflects a difficult cost and readiness balance: fighters can engage fast drones, but limited aircraft availability and expensive missiles make them unsuitable as the only answer, increasing demand for cheaper, purpose-built unmanned interceptors. Sustainable defense therefore requires both crewed and uncrewed layers.