**Ukrainian Pilot Sets World Record by Shooting Down 6 Russian Missiles**
On December 13, 2024, a Ukrainian pilot flying an American F-16 fighter jet made history by shooting down six enemy cruise missiles in a single combat mission. This achievement is considered the first of its kind and was confirmed by objective control data.
The pilot used a combination of four air-to-air missiles and the aircraft’s cannon to achieve this feat. The Ukrainian Air Force provided more details about the record-breaking event, highlighting the exceptional skills of their pilots.
**How It Was Done**
During a massive missile and drone attack on December 13, 2024, the Ukrainian F-16 pilot intercepted eight cruise missiles. He launched two medium-range air-to-air missiles that destroyed the first pair of targets. Then, he closed in to about two miles and used short-range air-to-air missiles to destroy the second pair.
The pilot’s F-16 only carried four air-to-air missiles, so he had to think creatively when a third enemy target appeared on his course. With no more missiles left, he used the high-rate-of-fire aircraft cannon to shoot down the two remaining missiles. The chances of hitting these targets were slim, but the pilot successfully destroyed them.
**A Hero’s Welcome**
The Ukrainian pilot’s achievement was met with applause and cheers at the airfield where he landed. The leadership of the Air Force Command was also thrilled, and the Americans across the ocean were pleasantly surprised by their trainees’ performance.
This achievement highlights the exceptional skills and bravery of Ukrainian pilots, who are capable of competing against advanced Russian aircraft despite being equipped with less powerful modifications of the F-16. The potential for battle-hardened Ukrainian pilots to become a formidable deterrent power in Europe is significant, especially when equipped with more advanced fighter jets like the F-35.
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