F-16 Fighting Falcon News

January 8, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - In a historic operation, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot successfully intercepted and destroyed six Russian cruise missiles during a single sortie, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of the newly operational Ukrainian F-16 fleet. The engagement, which took place amid heightened missile attacks on Ukraine, marks a significant milestone in the nation's air defense efforts.
The mission occurred during a large-scale air raid launched by Russia. Utilizing the advanced radar systems and weaponry of the F-16, the pilot demonstrated exceptional skill and precision in countering the threat. The aircraft engaged missiles that were targeting critical infrastructure, preventing potential destruction and casualties.

Ukrainian officials praised the pilot’s actions, calling the mission a testament to the bravery and expertise of Ukraine’s Air Force personnel. International observers have also lauded the achievement, noting that such operational success underscores the value of continued military support to Ukraine. Some called it "a historic moment in modern air combat" and a demonstration of the critical role advanced aircraft can play in asymmetric warfare.

The achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first time in aviation history that an F-16 pilot has destroyed six cruise missiles in a single sortie. An intriguing detail here is that the F-16 in question was armed with only four air-to-air missiles: two AIM-120 medium-range and two AIM-9 short-range missiles. The longer-range missiles were used first, and then the pilot had to get within about two miles to use the short-range missiles. After that the pilot used the F-16s 20 mm M61 A1 Vulcan cannon to neutralize two additional targets.

The Ukraine Pravda quoted the pilot: "I realised there were few chances to hit a missile flying at 650 km+. First, I had to find it in the sky, get to the same altitude and hit it from a distance of no more than one and a half kilometres. And flying closer is extremely dangerous – if a 450-kilogram warhead detonates, there is a high risk of the aircraft flying into a cloud of wreckage."

The Ukrainian pilot had only four missiles at his disposal as at least one but most likely two of the AAM capable underwing stations, namely 3 and 7 were used to carry EW pods such as PIDS+ and ECIPS+ (normally one of each is carried by a single F-16). These EW pods provide Missile Approach Warning Sensors (MAWS), plus a combinations of additional chaff/flare dispenser and ECM. If not, the need for low-altitude flights to intercept cruise missiles might have also justified a reduced weapons load to manage wing stress and overall flight performance.

The anonymous pilot dedicated this historic achievement to all his brothers-in-arms who 'have gone into eternal flight before they could see the F-16 in the Ukrainian sky.’

The inclusion of Soviet-era Su-27s alongside F-16s in the same mission demonstrates Ukraine’s unique ability to integrate diverse air defense capabilities, combining the strengths of both Eastern and Western military technologies in real combat conditions – a feat unprecedented in modern aerial warfare.