Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets are destroying the lion’s share of Russian jet-powered drones; however, a steady supply of 20-mm ammunition is required to ensure the air force can continue to operate effectively. This was stated by Ukraine’s Defence Minister Yevhen Khmara during a telephone conversation with his Canadian counterpart David McGinty on 14 November. The parties discussed speeding up the supply of ammunition, strengthening air defence and developing the Defence Forces’ long-range capabilities.
- Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets are destroying the lion’s share of Russian jet-powered drones.
- Regular supplies of 20-mm ammunition are critical to the effective operation of the air force.
- Ukraine and Canada discussed speeding up the delivery of the next consignment of ammunition for fighter jets.
- Canada also supports the procurement of PAC-3 missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot systems.
F-16s play a key role in intercepting jet-powered drones
According to Clouds, Ukrainian combat aircraft are actively engaged in countering Russian jet-powered drones. To destroy them F-16 fighters In particular, they use standard aircraft cannons, which require 20-mm ammunition.
«The lion’s share of jet-powered drones is being destroyed by our F-16s. 20-mm aircraft ammunition is a critical resource,» the Defence Minister emphasised.
Khmara explained that Ukraine is keen to receive the necessary ammunition as quickly as possible. This is not just a matter of the volume of military aid, but also of reducing delivery times and cutting through the red tape that can delay the transfer of weapons.
During the talks, the Ukrainian and Canadian ministers discussed specific steps to speed up the delivery of the next consignment of ammunition for the F-16s. However, they did not publicly specify the quantities or the timing of its arrival.
Canada is helping Ukraine to strengthen its Patriot defences and long-range strike capabilities
A separate topic of discussion was the provision of missiles for Ukraine’s air defence PAC-3 for Patriot systems. Yevhen Khmara thanked Canada for its contribution towards the procurement of this ammunition through the JUMPSTART international mechanism.
Rockets PAC-3 are designed, in particular, to intercept ballistic targets. Their supply remains one of the key areas for strengthening Ukraine’s air defence in the face of Russian missile strikes.
The ministers also discussed the development of Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. According to Khmara, Ukraine is stepping up strikes against facilities that supply the Russian military-industrial complex, in particular arms manufacturing plants.
Ukraine is calling on its partners to increase their purchases of Ukrainian drones
During the conversation, Khmara briefed his Canadian counterpart on the situation at the front and developments in unmanned systems. Ukraine is seeking to build on its advantage in the use of drones, which are employed not only for strike operations and reconnaissance, but also for logistical tasks.
The Ministry of Defence is calling on international partners to provide more funding for the procurement of Ukrainian-made drones. This approach makes it possible to directly meet the needs of the Defence Forces and support domestic arms manufacturers.
Talks with Canada took place on the eve of the next meeting of the Contact Group on Defence Issues in Ukraine in the «Ramstein», scheduled for 17 November at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
