Defense Express reported the information.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently told journalists that Ukraine has been unable to secure air-to-air missiles with the necessary range, with France only agreeing to provide MICA missiles capable of striking targets at 80 kilometers. The most capable long-range option remains undelivered—the European-made Meteor missile, which boasts an official range exceeding 200 kilometers.Western partners possess only two significant long-range air-to-air missile options: the latest American AIM-120 AMRAAM variants (C-8 and D-3) with ranges around 160-180 kilometers, and the Meteor from European manufacturer MBDA. While the Meteor represents the most advanced option available for Western aircraft, the challenge extends beyond simply acquiring the weapon itself.The complexity lies in integration requirements. Ukraine's current F-16AM fighters and French Mirage-2000-5s cannot deploy Meteor missiles without extensive modifications. Even among aircraft designed to carry the weapon—including Eurofighter Typhoons, French Rafale F3R variants, and Swedish Gripen C/D and E/F models—integration isn't straightforward. Germany only conducted its first Meteor test firing in 2024, highlighting the technical hurdles involved.The situation may change in 2026 when Ukraine is scheduled to receive used Gripen C/D fighters capable of launching Meteor missiles. However, experts emphasize that the fighters alone won't solve the problem. Ukraine also needs the long-promised Saab 340 AEW&C early warning aircraft, announced in spring 2024, which can provide automated target designation for the Gripen fighters.This pairing of advanced fighters with airborne early warning systems proves critical in modern air combat. Fighter radar systems have limited detection ranges, and their operation can reveal the aircraft's position to enemies. The combination allows fighters to launch long-range missiles at targets identified by support aircraft operating at safer distances.Recent combat between Pakistan and India in May 2025 demonstrated this principle. Pakistan deployed Chinese J-10C fighters armed with long-range PL-15 missiles alongside 12 early warning aircraft—Swedish Saab 2000 Erieye and Chinese ZDK-03 platforms. India, despite possessing Rafale fighters equipped with Meteor missiles, operated only six early warning aircraft with questionable automated targeting capabilities, putting them at a tactical disadvantage.For Ukraine, obtaining either the AIM-120C-8 for its F-16s or the superior Meteor system for future Gripen fighters will only prove effective with corresponding early warning aircraft providing automated target data—a complete package Western partners have yet to deliver.