Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces had successfully countered one of the largest Russian missile strikes to date.
According to Zelenskyy, the attack included 93 missiles, such as cruise and ballistic missiles, and nearly 200 drones targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Among the missiles was at least one reported to be of North Korean origin.
“Another Russian missile strike against Ukraine. Cruise missiles, ballistic missiles. According to preliminary reports, 93 missiles were launched, including at least one North Korean missile. A total of 81 missiles were shot down, 11 of which were cruise missiles intercepted by our F-16s,” Zelenskyy stated. He highlighted the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defenses, emphasizing the pivotal role played by newly acquired F-16 fighter jets.
The Ukrainian military underscored the performance of F-16s, which have recently been integrated into their air defense capabilities. The jets, provided by European allies such as the Netherlands and Denmark, were deployed to intercept both missiles and drones, including Shahed-136 attack drones frequently used by Russia.
Renowned military expert Taras Chmut, head of the “Come Back Alive” Foundation, praised the F-16s in an interview with the defense publication “Militarnyi.”
“There were high expectations that they [F-16s] would help in the air defense system against cruise missiles, and this works very well. It’s like having a super-fast, super-mobile air defense missile system. They are operating properly and delivering excellent results,” Chmut remarked.
The deployment of F-16s in Ukraine follows months of preparation by a coalition of European governments. The Netherlands and Denmark spearheaded efforts to provide the advanced fighter jets, with other nations contributing to pilot training and logistics. The move aims to bolster Ukraine’s ability to repel Russian attacks, which have increasingly targeted civilian areas and critical infrastructure.
First introduced in the 1970s, F-16s remain a mainstay in air forces worldwide due to their versatility and combat effectiveness. With more than 4,000 units produced, the jets have proven capabilities in various roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.