- A Ukrainian F-16 pilot mentioned that Russia’s forces usually withdraw upon facing NATO fighters.
- He mentioned that Ukraine was using its F-16s and Mirages for mission covers or accurate attacks.
- His remarks were included in the inaugural video interview Ukraine has released featuring an F-16 pilot.
A pilot flying an F-16 for Ukraine has stated that Russian forces seem to avoid Western aircraft specifically because they understand just how lethal these jets can be.
On Wednesday, Ukraine’s air force published remarks from him during their inaugural video interview featuring an F-16 pilot. To ensure safety, they blurred his image and chose not to disclose the pilot’s identity or callsign.
The arrival of Western equipment has enhanced our ability to carry out fighter escort missions,” the pilot stated in Ukrainian. “We now possess various weapons, including higher quality ones. The Russians recognize this too.
He mentioned that Ukraine had been utilizing its own troops.
American F-16 Fighting Falcons
and
French Mirage 2000-5s
in more close-range encounters.
Based on what they’re doing, it’s clear that they’re beginning to withdraw. They fear getting close to us,” he said additionally. “There is also someone alive over there who doesn’t wish to perish.
The pilot mentioned that Ukraine has been employing its F-16s for tactical strikes like “a scalpel,” whereas its Soviet-era aircraft have not.
MiG-29s
Su-24s and Su-27s were more broadly tasked with suppressing and destroying targets referred to as “hammers and sledgehammers.”
Ukrainian planes from their Soviet-era fleet frequently undertake missions to attack Russian positions, with the pilot noting this required flying “very near to the frontline,” thus putting himself and his fellow pilots at significant risk.
Therefore, Ukraine dispatches its F-16s and Mirages to offer protection for their Soviet counterparts, he mentioned.
The pilot also noted that this method of assault has significantly altered how Moscow’s forces respond.
He mentioned that they have a general understanding of our weapons’ technical specifications. They know which areas to push forward and when to fall back,” he added, noting that Ukraine has attempted to take advantage of these weaknesses.
The pilot additionally mentioned that both the F-16 and Mirage provide Ukraine with the capability to execute “extremely accurate” attacks.
For now, we can only target at a tactical level,” he stated regarding the Ukrainian pilots flying with NATO aircraft. “However, these strikes are highly accurate.
He mentioned that if we choose to, our bomb could easily go right through somebody’s window.
The Russian Defense Ministry did not reply to a request for comments.
The F-16’s advantage over Ukraine’s Soviet-era planes
The F-16 is considered an older design by Western standards — with over
50 years of service
—but continues to be highly regarded by Ukraine due to its capability to deliver and deploy a broad range of NATO precision-guided weapons against aerial and ground targets.
These include the
Joint Direct Attack Munition – Extended Range
, boasting an estimated range of 50 miles, along with the AIM-120, a medium-range air-to-air missile designed for engaging other aircraft. Ukraine possesses both types of weaponry.
This ability indicates that the F-16 can serve as a multifunctional asset for engaging enemy aircraft, executing ground attacks, or neutralizing Russian air defense systems.
Some of its Soviet aircraft, such as the MiG-29, are also multirole fighters, but the F-16 has better radar systems, electronic jammers, and range. In January, Ukraine said one of its pilots destroyed a record of
six Russian missiles
in a single sortie.
Dassault’s Mirage is another battle-tested aircraft being dispatched to Ukraine, although it typically is restricted to using French ammunition. For instance, it can fire the long-range
Storm Shadow cruise missile
However, it must rely on the short-range MICA air-to-air missile when engaging airborne targets.
Kyiv started receiving F-16s from European allies during the previous summer and received its initial batch of Mirages from France in February.
Ukraine has remained close-mouthed regarding the exact number of fighter jets it has acquired. While countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark have committed to providing over 100 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, the whole procedure could take anywhere from several months to a few years to complete.
Nevertheless, Ukraine needs to exercise caution with its precious Western fighter jets. Russia’s air defense systems, like their surface-to-air missiles, pose significant threats.
S-400
, are formidable, and Ukrainian pilots have been known to limit flying altitude or range to lower exposure to them.
Kyiv has already
lost one F-16
when a top pilot crashed in August while fighting cruise missiles and drones near the capital.
Earlier this month, multiple pro-Kremlin Telegram channels claimed that an additional F-16 had been brought down in the Sumy area. However, when addressing reporters on March 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed these reports.
He stated that the Russians are falsely claiming they brought something down in that area; in reality, they did not bring anything down.
Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine requires
128 F-16s
To combat Russia effectively.
Recently,
Ukraine’s F-16 initiative has been cast into doubt.
When President Donald Trump halted military assistance to Kyiv in early March, the aid was later reinstated once Ukraine consented to the conditions for a cease-fire mediated by the U.S.
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