Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukrainian aviation has flown over 14,000 combat missions.

The Air Force of Ukraine announced this on Saturday, August 26.

The combat aircraft of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been hitting enemy control points and depots, intercepting enemy planes and helicopters, and shooting down drones and missiles used by the Russian Federation to attack Ukraine.

“Since Russia’s large-scale invasion, the aviation of the Air Force of Ukraine has carried out more than 14,000 combat missions. 6,000 of them were for combat mission, and about 7,000 were for fighter air cover,” said Brig. Gen. Serhii Holubtsov, aviation chief for Ukraine’s air force.

According to him, during the full-scale war with Russia, dozens of pilots became Heroes of Ukraine, and hundreds of aviators received high state awards.

However, Ukraine has lost many heroic pilots. There are also losses among the personnel who provide ground support for Ukrainian aviation.

Ukrainian strike aircraft continue to destroy enemy control points and ammunition depots, enemy military equipment and manpower, as well as enemy crossings and logistics.

Fighter jets intercept enemy planes and helicopters in the sky and shoot down the invaders’ drones and missiles.

Western weapons for Ukrainian Air Force aircraft

Thanks to the countries that provide support and military assistance to Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia, Ukrainian aircraft have been adapted for the use of foreign weapons.

Ukrainian Soviet-made Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters began using American AGM-88 HARM high-speed anti-radiation missiles to engage Russian radars and air defense systems.

In early 2023, Air Force aircraft began striking the Russian invaders with bombs with a JDAM kit.

The Su-24M(MR) bombers have been adapted to use Storm Shadow and SCALP EG cruise missiles, which were provided by the UK and France as part of military assistance.