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Ukrainian F-16 pilot sets historic record

08.01.2025 16:38
No Ukrainian pilot had ever shot down six Russian cruise missiles during a single combat flight before.
December saw one of Ukraines F-16 pilots shoot down six Russian cruise missiles in a single flight, according to the Ukrainian military.
December saw one of Ukraine's F-16 pilots shoot down six Russian cruise missiles in a single flight, according to the Ukrainian military. Facebook/@Air Force Command of UA Armed Forces; Zozz_/Pixaby.com/CC0

The incident occurred on December 13, when Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, sending over 90 missiles and nearly 200 drones, primarily targeting the country's energy infrastructure.

During one of the maneuvers, a Ukrainian pilot set a new record for American F-16 fighter jets by shooting down six cruise missiles, a feat that was officially confirmed through control checks.

Ukraine's Air Force Command announced on Tuesday via Facebook that an F-16 pilot successfully downed six Russian cruise missiles in one flight, using both air-to-air missiles and the aircraft's cannon.

The first F-16s arrived in Ukraine in July 2024, with a second batch delivered in December as part of continued support for the Ukrainian Air Force.

Source: Facebook/@Air Force Command of UA Armed Forces

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