Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Mr. Sparkle

(3,622 posts)
Tue Dec 23, 2025, 12:16 PM Dec 23

Almost all Russian missiles intercepted by F-16 pilots overnight

Source: Pravda.com.ua

The overwhelming majority of Russian cruise missiles during Russia's attack on the night of 22-23 December were intercepted by pilots of F-16 fighter jets. The Air Force stresses that missiles for air defence systems and air-to-air missiles supplied by partners are not arriving in the quantities Ukraine needs to counter Russian aggression.

Source: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Air Force of Ukraine

Quote: "You can see the extremely high effectiveness of air defence operations, because the Kinzhal missiles, although not intercepted by Patriots, did not reach their targets. Out of 35 cruise missiles, 34 were shot down, mainly by F-16 aircraft intercepting these missiles, for which we thank our brave pilots."

Details: Ihnat stressed that both aviation air-to-air and air defence systems missiles are currently a rather scarce commodity for the Air Force. "Everyone is emphasising this: pilots speak about it in their interviews, and senior military leadership does as well. The president of Ukraine, in particular, has stressed to partners the need (he spoke about this quite recently) to strengthen air defence both with systems themselves and with missiles. Because some systems are standing idle with no missiles at all," the Air Force spokesperson noted.

Read more: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/23/8013110/

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Almost all Russian missiles intercepted by F-16 pilots overnight (Original Post) Mr. Sparkle Dec 23 OP
Wait... progressoid Dec 23 #1
There is a Ukrainian Pravda separate from the Russian news agency. TexasTowelie Dec 23 #3
Ah, thanks. progressoid Dec 23 #4
Ukrainian Pravda, not the Russian one. n/t Emrys Dec 24 #6
Which proves we're wasting money on stealth technology. Crowman2009 Dec 23 #2
I don't think the cruise missile that were shot down were stealthy...nt mitch96 Dec 23 #5

TexasTowelie

(125,805 posts)
3. There is a Ukrainian Pravda separate from the Russian news agency.
Tue Dec 23, 2025, 03:00 PM
Dec 23

Note the .UA in the URL address.

Crowman2009

(3,425 posts)
2. Which proves we're wasting money on stealth technology.
Tue Dec 23, 2025, 02:23 PM
Dec 23

The defense budget regarding weapons should be slashed in half since a combination of drones and mostly 80's technology seems to work just fine.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Almost all Russian missil...