- Ukraine’s Air Force denied reports that a multinational secret F-16 squadron operates in Ukraine, calling the claims unsupported and inaccurate.
- Officials said Ukrainian pilots using F-16 and Mirage aircraft helped intercept cruise missiles and drones during a large Russian attack on Feb. 17.
Ukraine’s Air Force on Tuesday rejected media reports claiming that a secret multinational F-16 fighter squadron composed of Ukrainian, American, and Dutch pilots had been established to defend Kyiv’s airspace, calling the information inaccurate and unsupported by evidence.
The denial followed a report published by French outlet Intelligence Online, which alleged that a covert unit was already operating over Ukraine and that veteran foreign pilots were participating in intercept missions against Russian cruise missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials said the publication provided no proof to support its claims and described the report as unreliable.
Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, dismissed the allegation publicly and responded with irony. “Yeah! And Tom Cruise led the squadron,” Ihnat said.
The Air Force emphasized that no such multinational combat formation exists, while reiterating that Ukrainian aviation assets are actively engaged in air defense operations. Officials stressed that foreign support to Ukraine remains structured through training, equipment transfers, and coordination with partner nations rather than direct operational participation by foreign pilots.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, fighter aviation has recently intensified its role in defending Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure following continued Russian missile and drone strikes. The increased activity includes the employment of Western-supplied aircraft alongside legacy platforms already in service.
Ihnat said Ukrainian pilots flying F-16 and Mirage fighter jets played a central role during a large-scale Russian attack overnight into Feb. 17, when air defense forces intercepted incoming threats across multiple regions of the country.
“This time the geography of the strike was wide, air raid alerts sounded throughout the country, and different means were used to repel the attack,” Ihnat said.
He added that Ukrainian aviation contributed directly to intercept operations. “Today our pilots worked, especially on foreign aircraft, including F-16s as well as Mirages. A large number of missiles were destroyed specifically by aviation means,” Ihnat said.
According to the Air Force, all cruise missiles launched during the attack were destroyed, including Kh-101 cruise missiles and Iskander-K missiles. Ukrainian forces also intercepted one air-launched missile, though four ballistic missiles targeting eastern regions were not intercepted.
“Unfortunately, there were no interceptions today — four ballistic missiles in the eastern regions were not intercepted due to certain circumstances,” Ihnat said.
Officials noted that Russian strikes primarily targeted critical infrastructure, including railway and energy facilities, continuing a pattern seen in recent months.
The broader context of the denial comes amid increased scrutiny of Ukraine’s air defense posture after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly criticized the pace and effectiveness of efforts to protect cities and infrastructure from missile and drone attacks. Since then, Ukrainian aviation has played a more visible role in intercept missions, particularly against Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones used by Russian forces.
The introduction of Western fighter aircraft into Ukrainian service represents one element of a layered air defense system that also includes ground-based missile defenses and electronic warfare capabilities. Ukrainian officials have consistently stated that foreign personnel are not conducting combat missions inside Ukraine.