# Ukraine Uses F-16s to Counter Russian Drones

> Ukraine’s F-16s shoot down Russian drones amid urgent defense needs.
- Title: Ukraine Uses F-16s to Counter Russian Drones | Shortify
- Summary: Ukraine’s F-16s shoot down Russian drones amid urgent defense needs. Ukraine uses F-16s to counter Russian drones, risking fleet sustainability.
- Keywords: ukraine, f-16, russia, drones, zelensky, biden, lockheed martin, starlink, trump, pope leonxiv, news, local
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/19/world/under-siege-ukraine-uses-f-16s-shoot-down-russias-jet-powered-drones
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ukraine, f-16, russia, drones, zelensky, biden, lockheed martin, starlink, trump, pope leonxiv, news, local
## Ukraine's F-16s Target Drones
Ukraine uses US-made F-16s to defend against Russian jet-powered drones.
## Zelensky Calls F-16s Effective
President Zelensky says F-16s are 'one of the most effective tools for shooting down' Russian drones.

> one of the most effective tools for shooting down
## F-16 Fleet Under Strain
Ukraine’s 50 F-16s face constant use, with half grounded for maintenance.
## Delayed F-16 Deliveries
Belgium promised F-16s over three years ago; none arrived until recently.
## F-16s Intercepts Drones
F-16s shot down 90 percent of incoming cruise missiles in some attacks.

> 90 percent
## F-16s Critical but Insufficient
General Krol says F-16s are 'critical for Ukraine' but 'definitely insufficient'.

> critical for Ukraine
## F-16s Face High Risk
Five F-16s damaged or destroyed since arrival, one pilot killed.
## F-16s Intercepts 1,900 Drones
F-16s shot down 'a significant portion' of 1,900 Russian drones last month.

> a significant portion
## Key takeaway

Ukraine uses F-16s to counter Russian drones, risking fleet sustainability.