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A Ukrainian F-16 pilot has reportedly set a new record by downing six Russian cruise missiles in a single mission, despite the aircraft being equipped with only four air-to-air missiles. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, two of these cruise missiles were destroyed using the aircraft's cannon. This claim highlights the role of F-16s in Ukraine's air defense operations.
The incident allegedly occurred on December 13, 2024, when Russia launched nearly 200 drones and 94 missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat commented on this feat, stating that "even Americans couldn't believe you did it." However, it is important to note that such claims are difficult to independently verify during ongoing conflicts.
Yurii Ihnat explained that the F-16 was carrying two medium-range and two short-range air-to-air missiles, likely AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder. The pilot recounted how he engaged and successfully hit all enemy missiles: "I flew up to the second pair, locked on to the missiles... The first missile hit the target, and the second one did too!"
