The Ukrainian Air Forces demonstrated an exciting and at the same time heroic episode of their combat activities — footage was shown of a Russian attack drone “Shahed” being destroyed by a MiG-29 fighter pilot
This video material serves as a kind of confirmation of the high skill of Ukrainian aviation defenders and a testimony to how important the aviation component remains in the fight against Russian aggressors. The source of this information is the Air Command "West," which published the footage and a corresponding comment from military pilots. According to one of them, a pilot belonging to a tactical aviation brigade, this footage confirms that Ukrainian aviation is on duty around the clock in the sky, vigilantly monitoring and destroying enemy targets. He clarified that one of the main tasks of the pilots is to destroy cruise missiles and attack drones, which the Russian occupiers have intensified in their confrontations with Ukrainian defenders. The comment also emphasizes that the number of enemy drones and cruise missiles attempting to strike Ukraine has increased significantly recently. To combat these lethal targets, all available means are employed — including anti-aircraft missile systems, mobile firing groups, electronic warfare units, and, if necessary, aviation. Accordingly, in a state of maximum alertness, all available military aircraft are mobilized to intercept and destroy enemy targets before they reach their objectives. It is specifically noted that most of the Russian military attacks occur at night, when Ukrainian pilots have the least visibility, making the destruction of targets during this time a significant display of pilots’ skills and high proficiency. However, recently, the Russians have increased strikes in the morning, which requires even greater tension and rapid response from Ukrainian defenders. The pilot, whose name he prefers not to disclose, with over twenty destroyed cruise missiles and drones to his credit, shared that during combat operations, he mastered the specifics of detecting and destroying drones during night operations, which significantly facilitates this task. According to him, being in the sky and fighting around the clock for the safety of Ukrainian land is not just a profession, but a true heroism and mission. It is noted that after successfully destroying one of the enemy drones, the pilot experienced great satisfaction and pride, as he understands the importance of his work. In his words, seeing the results of his combat mission firsthand and ensuring that the enemy does not achieve their goal and does not cause harm to Ukrainian land is the best reward. Publishing such footage and comments is a signal not only for the domestic audience but also for the international community that Ukrainian security forces are actively and professionally defending using modern technologies and highly skilled personnel. This further confirms that the fight for the country's independence and security continues in all possible directions — from the northern border to the skies over Ukraine.