Zelensky: Ukraine Securing New Air Defense Contracts, Scouring Globe for F-16 Ammo

October 6 ------ Ukraine is moving to strengthen its air defenses as Kyiv races to shield critical infrastructure against intensifying Russian strikes, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. “We are preparing new contracts for air defense systems and missiles,” Zelensky said during his evening address, adding that details remain under wraps but “there may be some positive steps.”

According to the Ukrainian leader, Kyiv is strengthening its defenses daily with additional gun turrets, specialized Shahed-hunting teams and increased production of interceptor systems. “We expect manufacturers to move quickly on interceptors. The tasks have been defined, and the funding is available,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president also appealed to Kyiv’s international partners for additional anti-ballistic capabilities, describing the protection of critical infrastructure as the country’s most pressing air-defense challenge. “We need more anti-ballistic capabilities to protect infrastructure specifically. This is the main challenge right now,” he said.

The push comes after Ukraine and Germany signed 15 defense agreements worth more than €8.5 billion on Sunday, covering air defense missiles, drones, radar systems, Patriot ammunition and protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Kyiv has also previously signed contracts for approximately 1,000 Patriot missiles, while Germany pledged additional interceptors from its own military stocks. The effort is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s missile reserves as Russia continues targeting the country’s energy and civilian infrastructure.

Global search for F-16 ammunition

Alongside ground-based air defenses, Ukraine is searching worldwide for ammunition for its F-16 fighter jets.

Zelensky described the US-made aircraft as one of Ukraine’s most effective tools for intercepting Russia’s jet-powered Shahed drones. “We are now sourcing munitions for F-16s virtually all over the world,” Zelensky said. “Packages are already on the way, and there will be more, so that our aircraft have what they need to protect our cities.”

Source: kyivindependent.com