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Ukraine's F-16s Resupply Amid Missile Shortage Before Russian Offensive

3/5/2026

28 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

From late November to mid-December 2026, Ukraine's F-16s faced a missile shortage that forced daytime sorties with rotary cannons and affected NASAMS operations.
Air-to-air missile AIM-9 stockouts disrupted air defense.
Fresh AIM-9 supplies arrived in December 2026 from Germany and Canada ahead of a Russian offensive.
The U.S. PURL mechanism has supplied 75% of missiles for Ukraine's Patriot batteries.

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Story summary

From late November to mid-December 2026, Ukraine's F-16s faced a missile shortage that forced daytime sorties with rotary cannons and affected NASAMS operations.
Air-to-air missile AIM-9 stockouts disrupted air defense.
Fresh AIM-9 supplies arrived in December 2026 from Germany and Canada ahead of a Russian offensive.
The U.S. PURL mechanism has supplied 75% of missiles for Ukraine's Patriot batteries.