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Ukrainian F-16 Pilots Destroy Seven Cruise Missiles During Recent Russian Attack

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Ivan Khomenko
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Ukrainian F-16 Pilots Destroy Seven Cruise Missiles During Recent Russian Attack
The first F-16 fighter jets received by Ukraine are showcased during the Ukrainian Air Force Day event on August 4, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

During a recent large-scale air assault by Russian forces, Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets played a critical role in neutralizing air threats, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The fighter jets, supplied by Western partners, successfully intercepted seven enemy cruise missiles targeting civilian infrastructure.

In an interview with Sky News, Zelenskyy emphasized the high efficiency and reliability of the F-16 aircraft, now operational within the Ukrainian Air Force. He highlighted their effectiveness in countering Russian air threats despite their limited numbers.

“How are the F-16s performing today? Very well, mostly excellent,” Zelenskyy stated. “We have a very little number of F-16s. What they do now? Destroyed 7 ballistic [cruise missiles] missiles two nights ago.”

The November 28 attack involved nearly 200 missiles and drones launched by Russian forces. Ukraine’s air defense systems managed to intercept the majority of these threats, significantly mitigating the damage. This marked the second large-scale air assault in November and the eleventh such attack in 2024, predominantly targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy also recalled a previous large-scale airstrike on November 17, during which Ukrainian F-16 pilots downed ten airborne targets. Overall, Ukraine’s air defenses neutralized 144 enemy targets during that assault.

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