Ukrainian Top Gun F-16 pilot completes ‘world-first’ shooting down SIX Putin cruise missiles during huge Russian attack A UKRAINIAN pilot has become a hero after shooting down six Russian cruise missiles in a single attack, marking a world first in anti-air combat.
He said with "100% confirmation" that despite Ukraine's warplanes lacking modern upgrades, the pilot successfully shot down six cruise missiles with the US-made 'Fighting Falcon' in a world first.
Colonel Yuriy Ihnat, the chief spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force Command said that upon returning to the ground, the pilot's comrades met him with "applause and ovations.".
"Shooting down cruise missiles with cannons is very risky due to the high speed of the target and the risk of detonation.
The pilot, who has not been named for his protection, admitted that the likelihood of hitting a missile travelling at over 650 km/h (more than 400 mph) was slim.
