Ukrainian MiG-29 Pilot Intercepts Russian Shahed Drone in Broad Daylight, Video

The Ukrainian Air Force has released footage showing the destruction of a Russian Shahed drone by a MiG-29 fighter jet pilot during an early morning air defense mission.

According to the Air Force’s Western Command on April 29, the pilot, callsign Denfix, serves in a tactical aviation brigade and is tasked with intercepting Russian cruise missiles and attack drones.

In this instance, the drone was shot down during a rare daytime strike, as Russian forces typically launch Shaheds at night.

“Unlike nighttime operations, I had a clear visual on the target through the sight,” Denfix said in an official statement. “It was easier to detect and engage the drone in daylight conditions.”

The pilot has reportedly intercepted over 20 airborne targets, including cruise missiles and drones, since the beginning of his deployment.

The Air Force noted that air defense operations involve a range of systems, including anti-aircraft missile units, mobile fire groups, and electronic warfare teams. Fighter jets are deployed when necessary to intercept incoming aerial threats.

Earlier, on March 7, a Ukrainian Mirage-2000 fighter jet conducted its first recorded combat mission by intercepting a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile during a large-scale aerial attack. The engagement, likely involving a French-supplied MICA missile, marked the debut of the Mirage 2000-5F in Ukrainian service following its recent delivery from France.

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