Ukraine has increasingly deployed American-made F-16 fighter jets to counter the growing threat posed by Russia’s jet-powered drones, which have targeted Ukrainian cities as part of Moscow’s ongoing military offensive. With interceptor missile supplies running low, Kyiv has turned to these advanced aircraft as a primary line of defense despite concerns about the sustainability and cost of such operations.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has praised the F-16 as one of the most effective tools for shooting down the drones. However, the small fleet—estimated at roughly 50 aircraft—is heavily strained. About half of the jets are currently grounded for maintenance across Europe, Zelensky revealed recently, underscoring the risks of constant, intense use. The planes are expensive to operate and maintain, and Ukraine has yet to receive additional F-16s promised by Belgium more than three years ago.

Experts caution that relying on F-16s to patrol against low-cost drones is an inefficient use of a limited resource. David A. Deptula, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general and aerospace researcher, said Ukraine is “forced to use a relatively small fighter fleet day after day as a substitute for an adequately resourced, layered air defense system,” adding that this approach is unlikely to be sustainable over the long term.

Despite these limitations, Ukrainian pilots have had notable success with the jets. Col. Yurii Ihnat, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesman, noted that the F-16s have intercepted up to 90 percent of incoming cruise missiles during some attacks. Last month alone, they reportedly helped shoot down a significant portion of the approximately 1,900 jet-powered drones launched by Russia, part of the total 3,500 unmanned aerial vehicles fired at Ukraine during that period.

The F-16s arrived in Ukraine only after lengthy deliberations. The U.S. initially hesitated to provide the aircraft due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia and Ukraine’s ability to maintain the jets. Training programs for Ukrainian pilots began in May 2023, with the first aircraft delivered over a year later from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. Since their deployment, five F-16s have been damaged or destroyed in combat, including one loss that resulted in the death of Lt. Col. Oleksiy Mes shortly after the jets’ introduction.

While primarily tasked with air defense against drones and missiles, the F-16s have also conducted offensive operations, including over 650 airstrikes on Russian ground targets. However, military analysts point out that using the fighter jets to chase drones means fewer sorties are available for offensive counter-air missions that could strike Russian military infrastructure deeper behind the front lines.

Ukraine is working to expand its fighter fleet with plans to acquire 20 new Saab Gripen jets from Sweden, alongside 16 older models donated by the country. France has also committed to selling Rafale jets, though deliveries are not expected for at least two years. These aircraft can carry long-range missiles capable of reaching targets far inside Russian territory. Ukraine is also negotiating with Lockheed Martin for the newest variant of the F-16, which would be capable of launching longer-range strike weapons, pending U.S. government approval.

Training operations for Ukrainian pilots are ongoing at the Fetesti Air Base in Romania, currently the only site outside the United States providing F-16 instruction tailored to counter-drone warfare. The six-month program, run by Lockheed Martin, has graduated 19 pilots since September 2024. According to retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Bill Thomas, who leads the program, the training focuses heavily on adapting to the changing nature of aerial threats in the Ukraine conflict.

For Ukrainian pilots, the transition to flying F-16s marks a significant step up in capability. One trainee from the Kyiv region described the experience as “mind-blowing” compared to previous instruction on slower jets. As combat conditions evolve rapidly, Ukrainian airmen emphasize their readiness and resolve, recognizing the vital role the F-16 fleet plays despite the challenges.

“We don’t have any choice,” the pilot said, reflecting the urgency with which Ukraine continues its efforts to counter new forms of Russian aggression from the air.