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c/world · by EatingOnions@lemmy.world · 40d

U.S. General: Ukrainian F-16 Shoots Down Russian Fighter in Air-to-Air Combat for the First Time

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/u-s-general-ukrainian-f-16-shoots-down-russian-fighter-in-air-to-air-combat-for-the-first-time/

198 points · 11 comments · view on lemmy.world

11 Comments

northendtrooper@lemmy.ca · 28 pts · 40d (6 replies)

The general did not specify the type of Russian aircraft involved or disclose the location, date, or circumstances of the aerial engagement.

This makes the article a nothing burgher. There is a vast difference between a Mig23ML and a Su-27.

someguy3@lemmy.world · 33 pts · 40d (2 replies)

The story is that the F16s are up and effective. This is more about the planes, crews, and logistics working rather than a Top Gun plot.

northendtrooper@lemmy.ca · 8 pts · 40d (1 reply)

True. I was going into the article as news like the title insinuates. But it is the story around the success of the program.

IphtashuFitz@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 40d

FYI. Not sure if this is accurate or not but it claims that an Su-35 was shot down: https://sopuli.xyz/post/49147538

silver@das-eck.haus · 11 pts · 40d

It says it may have been a su-35 that was confirmed down recently. That would be a solid victory

explodicle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 40d

It is wild that in the year 2026, F-16s are still fighting Migs.

ZoteTheMighty@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 40d

This could honestly mean anything whether it's a MiG 23, a Su-27, and Su-35, or an Su-47. Those span literally every tier from "eh" to "holy shit no way!" The fact that they didn't disclose the downed model makes me assume the former.

Akasazh@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 40d

I'm happy my country helped fund thoase and train the pilots

panthera_@lemmy.today · 2 pts · 40d (2 replies)

I don't think it was the first time. From https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-land-defense/land-defense-2024/breaking-news-ukrainian-f-16-fighter-wins-first-air-to-air-fight-shoots-down-russian-su-34

According to several reports published on social networks on October 13, 2024, an F-16 fighter jet operated by the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber. This victory, Ukraine's first in air-to-air combat using the F-16, was achieved with the advanced AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, known for its infrared homing and high maneuverability.

silver@das-eck.haus · 4 pts · 40d (1 reply)

The difference may be shooting a fighter down instead of a bomber. -34's are "fighter-bombers" but AFAIK they are mainly used for ground attack roles

panthera_@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 40d

Thanks!

Grumpus_Maximus@thelemmy.club · -2 pts · 40d
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