Ukrainian pilot makes history by downing six missiles
A Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot shot down six Russian cruise missiles in a single flight, marking a "historic achievement," announced the Ukrainian Air Force.
During Russia's massive attack on December 13, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot brought down six Russian cruise missiles. This event occurred as more than 90 missiles of various types and nearly 200 drones were targeting Ukraine. The attack aimed at energy infrastructure facilities.
The pilot, whose name was not disclosed, shot down the first four missiles using air-to-air missiles. Despite the Russian missiles having individual electronic protection measures, they were not protected from destruction.
"The Ukrainian pilot had only four air-to-air missiles under the wings: medium and short range. Long-range missiles were used first, and then the pilot had to close to about two miles to use short-range missiles," wrote Colonel Yuriy Ihnat on Facebook.
Historic achievement of the Ukrainian pilot
After downing four missiles, the pilot was ordered to return to base. However, a target appeared on his course heading toward Kyiv. He decided to attempt to shoot it down using the rapid-fire gun equipped on the F-16, with command approval.
- I understood that the chances of hitting a missile flying at over 400 mph were slim. First, I had to locate it in the sky, level the altitude, and shoot from no more than 1,640 feet away. Approaching any closer is extremely dangerous—if the 1,000-pound warhead explodes, there is a significant risk of flying into a cloud of debris – explained the pilot.
During training in the USA, the pilot learned to hit targets with the gun only on simulators.
- I did everything as our instructors in the USA taught us, as I practiced in the simulator. A few bursts from the gun and an explosion, then another. I thought it was a re-detonation. (…) It turned out there were two missiles. They were flying side by side. (…) That day, I set a record. But the result is the most important! I'm glad I succeeded and dedicate this success to all the brothers (pilots) who did not live to see the F-16 in Ukrainian skies – said the pilot.
Colonel Ihnat confirmed that the downing of six cruise missiles in a single sortie was verified during an inspection. "Based on the results of objective control, we have one hundred percent confirmation that for the first time in history, an American F-16 fighter shot down six cruise missiles in anti-air combat, including two with the airplane's gun. And it was done by a Ukrainian!" "The Americans across the ocean were also pleasantly surprised when they learned how their (Ukrainian) trainees performed," emphasized Ihnat.
The first F-16s arrived in Ukraine on July 31, 2024. The authorities in Kyiv have not disclosed how many aircraft they received at that time. A coalition of Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium committed to delivering about 60 aircraft. On December 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a second batch of F-16 fighters donated by Denmark had arrived.
