Ukraine has claimed that one of its F-16 fighter jets successfully intercepted and destroyed six Russian cruise missiles during a single air defense mission, marking a historic milestone for the aircraft.

"For the first time in the history of the Fighting Falcon, an F-16 destroyed six Russian cruise missiles in a single combat sortie," Colonel Yuri Ignat, spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force Command, announced on January 7.

The incident reportedly occurred on December 13, 2024, during a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine. Russia launched nearly 200 missiles and 94 suicide drones, according to Ignat.

The Ukrainian F-16, equipped with two short-range and two medium-range air-to-air missiles (AAM), along with 500 rounds for its M61A1 20mm Vulcan cannon, initially engaged four cruise missiles, successfully taking them down with its AAMs.

A Daring Manoeuvre

After expending its missiles, the pilot was ordered to return to base but noticed additional missiles heading toward Kyiv. Low on fuel and out of AAMs, the pilot chose to continue engaging the threats using the aircraft’s cannon—a highly challenging and risky tactic.

"I realized it would be very difficult to hit missiles traveling at over 605 km/h. First, I had to visually detect them in the sky, adjust my altitude to match theirs, and then open fire from a distance of 1.5 kilometers," the pilot reportedly said, according to Ignat.

The pilot successfully destroyed one missile with the cannon, witnessing a secondary explosion shortly after. Initially believing it was from the first missile, the pilot later realized a second missile had also been hit.

"Even the Americans reportedly couldn’t believe he pulled it off," Ignat remarked, without revealing the pilot’s identity.

Historic Feat for F-16s

This daring operation highlighted the exceptional skill of Ukrainian pilots, who reportedly trained in the U.S. to simulate using cannons against missiles but had never done so in live combat.

The Pentagon has not commented on the report, nor has Russia’s Ministry of Defense.

About the F-16 Fighting Falcon

Developed by the U.S. in the 1970s, the F-16 is a highly versatile multirole fighter jet. With a top speed of 2,121 km/h at altitudes of 12,000 meters, it boasts a maximum operational range of 546 kilometers and can carry up to 7.7 tons of munitions on 11 hardpoints.

Equipped with a six-barrel 20mm Vulcan cannon, the F-16 has been a critical addition to Ukraine’s air defenses since Western allies began supplying the jets in August 2024. The F-16 is considered significantly more capable than the Soviet-era aircraft still used by Ukraine, particularly in intercepting cruise missiles—a role it performs more effectively than some ground-based air defense systems.

Challenges in the Air War

Despite its strengths, Ukraine's F-16 fleet has faced losses. One jet was downed during a Russian missile barrage on August 26, 2024. In December, a Russian official claimed another F-16 was shot down while preparing to launch missiles, though this has not been confirmed by Ukraine.

The success of the F-16 in Ukraine highlights its role in bolstering Kyiv’s air defense capabilities, but it also underscores the ongoing risks and challenges in the conflict.

(Sources: Newsweek, Kyiv Post)