A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force reported the feat of an F-16 pilot who shot down six missiles, including two using an on-board gun. As a side note, he added that Kiev needs better planes. He spoke bitterly about the combat equipment Ukraine received from its allies, including radars and fighter jets.
The head of communications of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Tuesday described the events that took place on December 13th. Yuri Ignat spoke online about the feat of the Ukrainian F-16 pilot
The incident occurred when Russia launched 200 suicide attack drones and 90 missiles of various types against Ukraine. As Ignat pointed out, during such attacks, the F-16 fighter’s primary target is enemy cruise missiles.
Ukraine. F-16 pilot fired missile with onboard cannon
Ukrainian pilots shot down four such objects using short- and medium-range missiles suspended under the wings. However, the radar detected further enemy missiles, but the pilots no longer had the basic weapons to fight such targets.
Nevertheless, following instructions from his American training officer, he knew that in theory he could use another option. It approached the missile and fired a burst from the fighter’s onboard gun.
Reference: The announcement from Belarus was met with a reaction. “Ukraine is surprised”
“It is very dangerous to fire a cruise missile with a cannon because of the high speed of the target and the risk of explosion. However, following the teachings of the American instructor, we managed to hit the target. “There were two missiles flying at us, and they were destroyed at the same time,” the pilot explained in a report cited by a spokesperson.
Ukrainian F-16. Air Force spokesperson: “We want more powerful fighters”
Yuri Ignat emphasized how much the pilot sacrificed himself. In a statement quoted by Radio Svoboda, he said: “Despite the fact that Ukraine is not provided with the latest modifications of the F-16, its pilots make the most of the available equipment and demonstrate outstanding skills every day. He is demonstrating his true potential.”
In his social media posts, he also talked about the upgrades to F-16s provided to Ukraine by allies. “Yes, we would like to receive a more powerful and improved version of the F-16, with more powerful radar and long-range missiles. Because it’s very difficult,” he said.
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“Today, young Ukrainian pilots are proving every day that they are the best, whether in the cockpit of a Soviet fighter or in an American fighter,” he said. “Imagine, for example, what a powerful deterrent a war-seasoned Ukrainian pilot will be in the heart of Europe when the F-35 enters service with the Air Force,” Ignat wrote.
jk/wka / Polsatnews.pl
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