Kiev’s Western partners remain undecided on which air-to-air missiles would be delivered for Ukraine’s F-16s. A recent report references retired British Air Marshal Edward Stringer, who led the UK Defence Academy until 2021, as a source for potential options.
Stringer notes that Ukraine could receive American-made AMRAAM medium-range missiles or European Meteor missiles with longer reach. He also highlights the high cost associated with these advanced weapon systems, which complicates any rapid procurement plan.
While national stockpile levels are officially classified for security reasons, Stringer observes that most NATO forces are operating with constrained ammunition levels. This reality adds a layer of urgency to any decision about accelerating aid to Kyiv. (Financial Times, cited through sources)
The expert stresses that Kyiv’s supporters should consider speeding up the delivery of capable missiles if their goal is to sustain ongoing military support for Ukraine.
Former French General Jean-Paul Palomeros has expressed skepticism about a swift deployment of F-16s by Ukrainian forces in the near term, suggesting that practical readiness and supply chains will shape the timeline more than political assurances alone. (Independent analysis and commentary sources)