Air Force: Most cruise missiles and drones overnight downed by Ukrainian pilots flying Western aircraft
Head of the communications department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yuriy Ihnat said that most of the cruise missiles and drones launched by Russian occupiers at Ukraine overnight on Tuesday were shot down by Ukrainian aviation.
"Meanwhile, Ukrainian pilots flying Western aircraft once again demonstrated effectiveness and professionalism in shooting down enemy cruise missiles and drones. This morning, most of the cruise missiles are on their account," Ihnat said on Facebook on Tuesday.
He also urged the public to treat with caution the information published by the French outlet Intelligence Online, which claimed that a secret F‑16 squadron had allegedly been created in Ukraine consisting of Ukrainian, U.S. and Dutch pilots. Ihnat stressed that this does not correspond to reality.
"Ukrainian media are actively spreading the Intelligence Online article claiming that American and Dutch veteran pilots are flying F‑16s in Ukraine alongside Ukrainian pilots… However, some Ukrainian Telegram channels warn citizens to treat this information cautiously, as the outlet often publishes nonsense. This may be one such case, since there are no other sources," the Air Force spokesperson said.
According to him, Intelligence Online belongs to the French independent publishing group Indigo Publications, which emphasizes its full independence. There is no direct evidence of Russian funding or influence, but the outlet is sometimes criticized for the nature of its content.
"Some Ukrainian analytical centers, including the Democratic Initiatives Foundation, note that the outlet’s materials periodically contain narratives favorable to Russia. Critics point to publications with manipulative forecasts claiming Ukraine’s ‘inevitable defeat’ or the impossibility of victory. This can be used to influence Western public opinion. In addition, because the outlet specializes in ‘leaks’ from intelligence communities, it can become a platform for information operations by various intelligence services, including Russian ones, which use media to legitimize disinformation," Ihnat said.
As reported, Ukraine’s Defence Forces shot down or suppressed 25 missiles and 367 enemy UAVs out of 29 missiles and 396 drones launched overnight by Russian occupiers. Four ballistic missile strikes and 18 attack UAV impacts were recorded at 13 locations, along with debris falling at eight locations.
Overall effectiveness of destroying aerial targets in Ukraine’s airspace exceeded 92%, one of the highest rates recorded. All Kh‑101 and Iskander‑K cruise missiles launched by the enemy were shot down, as well as Kh‑59/69 air‑launched missiles.
