Western Fighter Jets Play Key Role In Ukrainian Air Defense
Ukraine’s air force has announced that its F-16s have destroyed over 1,000 Russian aerial targets since entering combat, primarily serving in an air-defense role. The aircraft have been used to intercept cruise missiles and drones, with pilots relying on a mix of missiles and gunfire to engage targets. The F-16s have also flown over 1,600 ground-attack sorties, using weapons such as Small Diameter Bombs. The Ukrainian Air Force’s use of F-16s has been shaped by the realities of the war, with crews adapting Western training to develop their own tactics. This development was first reported by AeroTime.