Ukrainian F-16s Have Intercepted Over 1,300 Missiles and Drones

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets have intercepted more than 1,300 Russian missiles and drones since entering service, the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on November 19.

The military noted that the first aircraft of this type appeared in Ukrainian skies in August 2024.

“F-16s alone have intercepted over 1,300 air targets. In particular, during today’s attack, F-16 and Mirage-2000 pilots intercepted and shot down at least 10 enemy cruise missiles,” the Command reported.

The Air Force called the arrival of the F-16s a historic moment for Ukraine and a major breakthrough in strengthening its aviation capabilities.

“Having quickly mastered the new equipment, Ukrainian pilots have turned it into an effective tool in resisting the aggressor,” the Air Force of Ukraine reported.

The Command noted that by implementing their own innovative approaches to air and air defense combat, Ukrainian F-16 crews are consistently achieving strong results in fighting off Russian attacks.

F-16 pilots and ground aviation personnel work every day under extremely difficult conditions.

In addition to air-defense missions, these fighter jets are actively used to provide air support to Ukrainian forces.

In October, the United States stated that the F-16 fighter jets transferred to Ukraine as part of military assistance account for about 80% of all combat sorties flown by the Ukrainian Air Force. These aircraft are used, in particular, to intercept Russian cruise missiles and Shahed kamikaze drones.

In addition to air-to-air missiles, Ukrainian pilots also use the aircraft’s cannon to intercept drones.

In September, a video was published online showing a Ukrainian F-16 successfully destroying a Russian Shahed kamikaze drone using its 20 mm six-barrel Vulcan cannon.