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Ukrainian Jets and Missiles Wipe Out 646 Russian Air Threats in June
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The Ukrainian Air Force significantly increased its combat effectiveness in June, destroying more than 646 Russian aerial targets, according to a July 2 report by the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This figure nearly doubles the results of May, when 365 targets were confirmed shot down. In April, that number stood at 326.
Ukrainian military aviation continues to play a key role not only in air defense but also in striking Russian command posts, logistics hubs, and concentrations of manpower and equipment.
The rise in destroyed targets coincides with a marked increase in Russian aerial attacks. On June 29 alone, Russia launched over 500 airborne weapons as part of a large-scale combined strike on Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian military, Russian forces fired more than 114 missiles and deployed over 1,270 drones of various types during the last week of June. To counter these threats, Ukraine has increasingly relied on its combat aircraft, including both jets and helicopters.
Among the aircraft deployed are US-provided F-16 fighters, capable of engaging cruise missiles and Shahed-type drones. Soviet-era MiG-29s are also actively used to intercept incoming threats. In addition, Ukrainian pilots are using Yak-52 aircraft to intercept Russian reconnaissance drones.
Although the Yak-52 is a piston-engine trainer without onboard weapons, it has been adapted for drone interception. The rear-seat pilot assumes the role of gunner and engages targets during flight.
Earlier, on March 7, a Ukrainian Mirage-2000 fighter jet intercepted a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile during its first recorded combat mission, marking the debut of the French-supplied aircraft in Ukrainian service. The engagement occurred amid a large-scale missile and drone attack involving 261 aerial threats.
