Berlin, — June 16, 2026 : Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets are expected to be equipped with German-made IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missiles, marking a new step in strengthening the country’s air combat capabilities. The planned integration was confirmed by senior officials from Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of the IRIS-T missile system, during the ILA Berlin Air Show.
Diehl Defence Preparing F-16 Integration
Speaking to aviation publication FlightGlobal, Diehl Defence Chief Program Officer Harald Buschek said the company is actively preparing to equip Ukrainian F-16s with the IRIS-T missile.
“The Ukrainian Air Force’s F-16s will most likely be equipped with our IRIS-T missiles—that is exactly what we are preparing for right now,” Buschek said.
Although no timeline for the integration has been announced, the addition of the IRIS-T would expand the range of air-to-air weapons available to Ukraine’s Western-supplied fighter fleet.
Ukraine Already Familiar With IRIS-T Systems
While Ukraine has not yet fielded the air-launched version of the IRIS-T missile, its armed forces have significant experience operating the missile family through ground-based air defence systems.
Since late 2022, Ukraine has deployed IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM air defence systems to counter Russian aerial threats. According to Diehl Defence Chief Executive Officer Helmut Rausch, these systems have consistently achieved a hit rate of more than 95 percent against cruise missiles and drones.
Rausch also highlighted the importance of maintaining uninterrupted missile deliveries to Ukraine.
“It is also very important to the customer that we supply missiles on a monthly basis, without interruption,” he said. “The feedback we receive from Ukraine indicates that they are very satisfied.”
Proven Compatibility With F-16 Aircraft
The integration of IRIS-T missiles on F-16 fighter jets is not a new concept. In 2005, Norway selected the IRIS-T to replace its aging AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles on the country's F-16 fleet. The missile has since been used by several European air forces and is regarded as a modern short-range air-to-air weapon.
Designed with advanced infrared guidance technology, the IRIS-T offers high manoeuvrability and improved resistance to countermeasures, enabling pilots to engage a wide range of aerial targets.
Norwegian F-16 Transfer Supports Integration
Norway’s previous experience with the IRIS-T missile is particularly relevant because Ukraine is receiving a portion of its F-16 fleet from the Norwegian Air Force.
The Norwegian government has officially pledged to transfer six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Ownership of the aircraft was transferred between 2024 and 2025, but the jets have not yet entered operational service due to ongoing refurbishment work.
In April 2026, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that the aircraft currently belong to Ukraine but remain at the Sabena aerospace facility in Belgium, where they are undergoing repairs and preparation for combat operations.
Maintenance Delays Continue
The process of preparing the former Norwegian aircraft has taken longer than initially expected due to capacity constraints at the Belgian facility.
Although Norwegian officials indicated that the first aircraft could soon become operational, the complete overhaul and preparation of the fleet remains ongoing.
The delays have affected the timeline for delivering combat-ready aircraft, even after the transfer of ownership was completed.
Additional Aircraft May Support Operations
Beyond the six officially announced fighters, reports published in 2025 indicated that Norway planned to transfer a total of 14 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine.
The remaining eight aircraft are widely believed to be surplus airframes that are not currently suitable for active flight. These jets are expected to be used for technical training, spare parts support, and other logistical requirements.
However, officials have not ruled out the possibility that some of these aircraft could eventually be restored to airworthy condition if operational needs require it.
Strengthening Ukraine’s Air Combat Capability
The planned integration of the IRIS-T missile would provide Ukrainian F-16 pilots with an additional modern air-to-air weapon and further diversify the fighter fleet’s combat capabilities.
Combined with Ukraine’s existing experience operating IRIS-T-based air defence systems and the continued delivery of Western fighter aircraft, the move represents another step in the modernization of the Ukrainian Air Force and its ability to conduct air operations using NATO-standard equipment.
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