Ukrainian pilot flies F-16 and shoots down 6 Russian cruise missiles

Ukraine received its first batch of F-16s in August 2024 after months of waiting, with the expectation that the fourth-generation aircraft will improve combat capabilities compared to the Soviet-era aircraft the country previously used.

Despite concerns about pilot training time, the F-16's successful shooting down of a Russian missile will help boost morale among Ukrainian forces, especially after a Ukrainian pilot died shortly after receiving the aircraft.

According to the announcement from the Ukrainian Air Force, the mission took place during a major Russian airstrike on December 13, 2024, when nearly 200 UAVs and 94 missiles were deployed by Russia.

In a Facebook post, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat revealed that the pilot shot down six Russian cruise missiles, partly by using the aircraft's onboard cannon – something that had never been done before in combat.

The pilot, trained by American instructors, approached the missile group and locked on despite the enemy's electronic jamming system. He used medium- and short-range missiles to destroy the first four missiles. Then the pilot detected another missile heading towards Kiev at a speed of about 640 km/h and decided to use the aircraft's missiles to shoot it down.

“Even the Americans couldn’t believe we did it,” said Mr. Ihnat.

The Ukrainian Air Force claims this is the first time in history that a US F-16 fighter jet has shot down six cruise missiles at the same time during one mission.

The event is expected to strengthen Kiev's calls for more F-16s from its European allies. According to RBC-Ukraine, Belgium plans to deliver 30 F-16s to Ukraine by the end of 2028.

Mr. Ihnat also emphasized the importance of strengthening the air force's equipment: "Imagine the enormous deterrence that Ukrainian pilots, with their extensive war experience, could create if equipped with modern aircraft such as the F-35."

Cao Phong (according to UKN, Newsweek, GI)