Ukrainian F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters have successfully intercepted and destroyed seven Russian winged rockets aimed at civilian objects. This was reported by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Sky News. Experts note that this success was made possible by the advanced aircraft technologies, as well as a high level of preparation of Ukrainian pilots.
F-16 fighters that Ukraine received from the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Belgium, equipped with modern avionics and radars of the An/APG-68. These radars allow you to effectively track low -fluttering goals, such as winged missiles, and ensure high precision interception. Ukrainian pilots use AIM-120 AMraam missiles capable of hitting targets up to 160 km and AIM-9 Sidewinder for melee. The versatility of the F-16 allows you to fulfill multi-purpose missions, including the interception of air threats and strikes for land purposes.
Prior to obtaining the F-16, the Air Force of Ukraine was used by Soviet MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters. Although these planes proved themselves well at the beginning of the war, they could not fully meet the modern challenges that hostilities put before Ukraine.
The advantages of the F-16 include not only modern avionic and maneuverability, but also integration with NATO systems. This allows the Ukrainian air forces to coordinate their actions with allies, to exchange real -time data more effectively and conduct joint operations.
Viewers emphasize that the dedication of Ukrainian pilots has become a key factor in success. The transition from Soviet platforms to modern F-16 demanded intensive preparation and adaptation to new standards of fighting.
"Ukrainian pilots not only demonstrated the ability to use the latest technologies, but also a willingness to take risks to protect their people," military experts say.
The interception of Russian missiles demonstrates that the introduction of the F-16 into the Ukrainian Air Force is not only a technical but also a strategic breakthrough. These planes have already become an effective means of protecting against aviation and missile threats, confirming the expediency of integration of Ukraine into a collective security system.
