On April 24, a large-scale defensive strike was carried out by Russia, during which Ukrainian aviation demonstrated its best qualities
According to representatives of the Ukrainian Air Force command, during the night, Western fighters F-16 and Mirage successfully intercepted and destroyed several dozen enemy targets attempting an air attack. These results were announced by Colonel Yurii Ignat, head of the Air Force command's communication department, during a national telethon. He stated that Ukrainian pilots showed a high level of professionalism and the ability to respond quickly to threats from the enemy. Noting the work of our pilots, he emphasized: "The Commander of the Air Force has highlighted the effectiveness of our tactical aviation. Currently, our arsenal includes F-16 and Mirage pilots, who demonstrated excellent results: during this large-scale attack, they destroyed several dozen targets. Specifically, they shot down cruise missiles and remotely piloted aerial vehicles of the "Shahed" type." According to Ignat, Ukrainian fighters are capable of engaging targets flying along aerodynamic trajectories — these include cruise missiles and drones. However, in the case of ballistic missiles, it is difficult to achieve a precise and effective response, as they are primarily countered using the Patriot missile defense system. Ignat emphasized that Western military technology, including F-16 and Mirage fighters, handles these tasks extremely well, providing hope for an increase in Ukraine’s defense potential and strengthening its positions on the battlefield. Overall, Ukrainian pilots have proven their ability to fight against modern enemy means of attack, demonstrating a high level of combat skill, while missile defense systems continue to play a vital role in protecting the country from missile and drone strikes. This once again confirms that the combination of military forces and modern technology enables Ukraine to hold the front line and reduce losses inflicted by the enemy, who seeks to push Ukrainian defenders from their positions.