**Ukraine Marks Historic Victory with First-Ever F-16 Airstrike**
In a significant development, Ukraine has successfully shot down a Russian aircraft for the first time using a Western-supplied F-16 fighter jet. This aerial combat, which took place on June 7 over northeastern Ukraine, marked a historic victory for Kyiv.
According to reports from Bild, the Ukrainian Air Force used the jets to bomb enemy positions within Ukraine and in Russia’s Kursk region as part of their defense efforts in the Sumy region. In response to this, Russian forces deployed a modern Su-35 fighter jet. However, the Russian pilot fell into an ambush set by Ukrainian forces.
**The Ambush**
As part of their defensive strategy, Ukrainian forces also deployed a Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, which detected the enemy jet approximately 200-300 km from the border and transmitted its coordinates to the F-16. This intelligence provided the Ukrainian pilots with crucial information about the location and movement of the Russian Su-35.
**The F-16 Strikes Back**
With this critical information in hand, the Ukrainian F-16 launched an AIM-120 missile that successfully shot down the Su-35 near the town of Koreneve in Russia’s Kursk region. The Russian pilot managed to eject safely, but the Ukrainian fighter jets returned to base without sustaining any losses.
**The Real Game-Changer: Swedish AWACS System**
As aviation expert Mark Brooks pointed out on his social media page, “It’s not just about the F-16 – the real game-changer was the Swedish AWACS system.” This advanced system allowed Ukrainian forces to detect Russian aircraft hundreds of kilometers away and guide F-16 missiles in real-time. The Su-35 was caught off guard, unaware that it was under attack.
**Upsetting Expectations**
This airstrike has not only marked a historic victory for Ukraine but also proved the capabilities of their air force against Russian forces. Moreover, the successful shooting down of a Su-35 by a Dutch-modified F-16AM – considered outdated by many experts – further highlights the determination and resilience of Ukrainian forces.
**What’s Next?**
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, this historic victory serves as a testament to the bravery and effectiveness of Ukrainian forces. The use of advanced Western-supplied aircraft has given them an upper hand in the skies above Ukraine.
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