Ukraine’s F-16s Shoot Down Over 1,300 Russian Missiles and Drones

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets have intercepted more than 1,300 Russian missiles and drones since their first deployment in August 2024, the Air Force Command of Ukraine reported on November 19.

The aircraft are credited with significantly strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and conducting hundreds of precision strikes on Russian military targets.

According to the official statement, F-16s played a central role in repelling a recent missile attack, during which Ukrainian pilots flying F-16s and Mirage-2000s shot down at least ten Russian cruise missiles.

The Air Force described the introduction of the F-16 into combat operations as a milestone in Ukraine’s air defense modernization. “Our pilots quickly mastered the new systems and turned them into one of the most effective tools in countering the aggressor,” the statement read.

The first F-16s entered Ukrainian airspace in August 2024, following extensive training programs abroad and deliveries under military assistance agreements with European partners and the United States. Ukrainian pilots have since been flying the aircraft daily, performing both defensive and offensive missions.

The Air Force emphasized that F-16s have conducted over 300 successful airstrikes on Russian ground targets, including military equipment, command centers, drone control facilities, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs.

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In addition to standard air-to-air missiles, Ukrainian pilots use onboard cannons to intercept drones. One widely circulated video from September shows an F-16 downing a Shahed drone with a single burst from its 20mm Vulcan rotary cannon.

Despite their effectiveness, F-16 crews operate under extreme conditions, often conducting missions during ongoing drone and missile attacks. The Air Force highlighted that both pilots and ground personnel are working at the limits of their physical capacity.

A major concern remains the timely delivery of Western-supplied munitions. “Without sufficient bombs and missiles, the F-16 alone cannot ensure victory,” the Air Force stated, underscoring the need for consistent resupply of advanced weaponry from partner nations.

Earlier, on March 26, the Ukrainian Air Force released its first interview with an F-16 pilot, who reported that over 80% of the missiles launched by Ukrainian F-16s successfully strike their targets, including Shahed drones and cruise missiles. The pilot emphasized the jets' precision and daily operational tempo, often supporting missions beyond the front lines.

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