Zelenskyy Cited the Need for F-16s to Combat Jet-Powered Drones

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets use between 5,000 and 6,000 20-millimeter rounds per day to counter jet-powered drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is working to ensure it has that amount of ammunition every day and is already discussing its supply with partners.

 

Zelenskyy made these remarks during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Kyiv. The president noted that aviation is currently one of the most effective means of combating jet-powered drones. According to him, Ukrainian F-16s are proving very helpful in this regard. “The F-16s are a huge help; the 20-millimeter ammunition works well,” Zelenskyy said.

According to the president, the fighter jets require between 5,000 and 6,000 rounds of such ammunition daily. Ukraine is currently working to secure the necessary supplies. “We use 5,000 to 6,000 rounds of 20-millimeter ammunition per day on the F-16s,” Zelenskyy stated.

He noted that securing such a quantity of ammunition daily is no easy task. At the same time, Ukraine is already working to resolve this issue and is counting on assistance from its partners. “We are currently working to ensure that we have 5,000 to 6,000 rounds of the appropriate ammunition per day. This is a very difficult task; we’re working on it, and we also thank Germany for its support in this area. This will definitely strengthen us,” the president emphasized.

Zelenskyy also said that he had discussed the supply of such ammunition with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. According to him, Ukraine is seeking opportunities to obtain the necessary amount of ammunition from other partners as well. In particular, negotiations are ongoing with French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as with representatives from Norway and Sweden.

Separately, the president emphasized that it is important for Ukraine to ensure that its fighter jets have a sufficient supply of ammunition for continuous operation. “We are working on this to ensure the F-16s are fully loaded,” Zelenskyy said. The issue of defense against jet drones has become particularly pressing in light of Russia’s use of them. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is simultaneously developing several methods to counter such drones.

Earlier, the president reported that more than 12 special turrets had been installed in Kyiv to combat jet-powered drones. Eight more such installations are planned for the Kyiv region. In this way, Ukraine intends to combine various defense measures—F-16 fighter jets, turrets, and other systems. According to Zelenskyy, ensuring that the F-16s have the necessary supply of 20-millimeter ammunition is one of the areas currently being addressed in collaboration with international partners.

Germany, together with France and the United Kingdom, plans to hold a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Berlin this winter. According to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the main goal will be to coordinate further assistance to Ukraine.