Ukraine F-16s, Mirages Shoot Down 10 Russian Cruise Missiles In 1 Night

The Ukrainian Air Force is becoming more adept at adapting its F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters to shooting down Russian cruise missiles and large Shahed-type drones. 

The result has been a higher kill ratio against these weapons. JL

Taras Safronov reports in Militarnyi:

Ukrainian Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters destroyed ten cruise missiles during a massive attack on November 19. The F-16 uses AIM-9 missiles with infrared homing pods to engage cruise missiles and Shahed-type drones. The French Mirage 2000 is equipped with Magic-2 missiles designed to combat Russian air targets, which enhances Ukrainian aviation in night and difficult combat conditions. To enhance their capabilities in the sky, the Ukrainian military integrated new approaches to training, modern tactical solutions and innovative methods of air-to-air combat and using aircraft in combat. This allowed them to maximize the adaptation of Western equipment to the conditions of intense warfare.

Ukrainian Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters destroyed ten cruise missiles during a massive attack on November 19.

The Air Force reported that the pilots worked effectively to repel the attack, using modern tactical solutions and innovative methods of air-to-air combat. As a result, they managed to hit at least ten enemy cruise missiles.

According to military command, to enhance their capabilities in the sky, the Ukrainian military integrated new approaches to training and using aircraft in combat. This allowed them to maximize the adaptation of Western equipment to the conditions of intense warfare.

F-16 fighters appeared in the Ukrainian skies in August 2024, and French Mirage 2000s followed in 2025. The pilots quickly mastered these machines and made them an important tool in countering Russian aggression.

To intercept air targets, the partners provided Ukraine with air-to-air missiles, which significantly expanded the capabilities of combat aircraft. The F-16 uses AIM-9 missiles with infrared homing pods to engage cruise missiles and Shahed-type drones.

The moment an AIM-9M missile is launched from a Ukrainian F-16. Freeze frame from the video of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The French Mirage 2000 is equipped with Magic-2 missiles designed to combat Russian air targets of varying complexity. This enhances the overall potential of Ukrainian aviation in night and difficult combat conditions.

During the F-16’s service in Ukrainian skies, pilots have already intercepted more than 1,300 Russian missiles and drones, which demonstrates the significant contribution of the fighters to the country’s air defense.