Ukrainian F-16 pilot gives first-ever interview: Over 80% of missiles hit the target
Photo: Ukrainian F-16 pilot gave his first interview about his work (Getty Images)
The Air Force has published the first interview with a Ukrainian pilot who mastered the F-16 fighter jet. He shares his experience of combat flights, battle tactics, and the secrets of effective crew coordination, having expertly mastered Western aviation technology.
In the interview, an unnamed F-16 pilot, whose name is not disclosed for security reasons, shared that he constantly conducts aerial reconnaissance flights on Russian military objects and forces. Nearly every day, he performs one or two flights to target the enemy behind the front line, in the territory of the Russian Federation, and in areas temporarily occupied by Russia.
According to him, F-16 pilots also provide cover for other combat comrades, such as MiG-29s, Su-27s, Su-24s, and Su-25s.
The pilot added that the effectiveness of using Western technology by the Ukrainian military, both ground and air, is very high. Nearly every missile hits its target.
"When I say 'nearly every,' I mean really nearly every one — it’s not four out of eight, it’s over 80% of the missiles we launch hit the target and destroy both Shaheds and cruise missiles — whether sea-based, air-based, or ground-based," the pilot explained.
The targets are known to the pilots in advance. According to the pilot, Ukrainian intelligence works quite effectively. Pilots receive all the necessary data.
"Our reconnaissance forces adapt very quickly. We get all this data, and it's very relevant. If we want, our bomb will hit someone’s window," the F-16 pilot emphasized.
In 2023, Ukraine and its allies formed an aviation coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs a minimum of 128 F-16 fighters.
In 2024, the first F-16 fighters arrived in Ukraine from its partners. The exact number of aircraft Ukraine has received remains unclear. The first F-16s were delivered by the Netherlands and Denmark.
On March 19 of this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a new batch of F-16 fighters had arrived in Ukraine.
It is known that Belgium will deliver 30 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2028.
Currently, Ukrainian pilots continue their training on F-16s. Training is taking place in several countries, including the United States.
