In early July, a surveillance drone sent targeting data to a Russian base, leading to a barrage of ballistic missiles hitting a Ukrainian air base. Ukraine aims to counter Russian attacks with F-16 fighter jets, but faces challenges due to limited numbers and trained personnel. Despite Russia's fortified defenses, Ukraine hopes the F-16s, equipped with advanced weaponry, will expand protection against missile and drone attacks. However, the immediate impact may be constrained, as only a few pilots and jets are expected to be combat-ready this year. Ukraine is also adopting deception tactics and employing older aircraft to counter Russian surveillance drones. The arrival of the F-16s comes amidst uncertainty in the war, with Russia engaged in furious assaults and the Ukrainian energy grid crippled. The use of F-16s is seen as a crucial step in shaping the battlefield and potentially achieving parity in airspace.