More than half of Ukraine’s F-16s reportedly on maintenance hold in September 2026

A September 30 post quotes The Wall Street Journal citing an unnamed Western source who said more than half of Ukraine’s F-16s were on maintenance hold. The source warned that, at the current pace of use and upkeep, Kyiv could run through the remaining jets by year’s end. Retired US Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery said periodic inspections in Belgium could take up to 40 weeks, compared with a typical two to six weeks in the US. The quoted report said Ukraine’s air force declined comment.