Ukrainian F-16 Guns Down Russian Shahed in Air-to-Air Kill, Video

Ukraine’s Air Force has released footage showing a Ukrainian pilot in an F-16 fighter jet destroying a Russian Shahed attack drone in the country’s airspace. The video of the combat engagement was published on the official social media page of the Air Force Command on February 8.

According to the military, the pilot eliminated the aerial target using the aircraft’s onboard cannon.

“This is a real Ukrainian pilot in an F-16 epicly destroying an enemy Shahed over Ukraine! How many such shoot-downs have there already been… The video comes from social media, the author is unknown, but the pilot is ours! Ukrainian F-16s are a bone in the enemy’s throat, which is why the occupiers are constantly trying to destroy them. They won’t succeed!” the Air Force said in a statement.

Recent images also indicates that Ukraine’s F-16 fleet is being equipped with advanced targeting pods that enable the use of laser-guided weapons, including the US-made APKWS II precision rocket system. This system allows significantly more cost-effective engagements against drones compared with traditional air-to-air missiles.

The aircraft appear to carry LAU-131/A rocket pods—each capable of holding seven 70mm rockets—alongside what defense outlet Militarnyi identifies as a likely Sniper XP targeting pod mounted on the right side of the intake.

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Such targeting pods are essential for employing APKWS II rockets. The precision-guided system has emerged as one of the most affordable and efficient methods for countering drones, reducing the need to expend far more expensive missile interceptors.

The Sniper family of targeting pods, produced by Lockheed Martin, provides day-and-night target identification, automatic tracking, laser designation, and precision guidance for a range of munitions. These capabilities support strikes against both aerial and ground threats—including drones—while also enabling reconnaissance through optical zoom, thermal imaging, and laser pointing.

Earlier, reports emerged that F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters supplied to Ukraine as part of Western military aid were flying roughly 80% of the Ukrainian Air Force’s combat sorties.

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