A video posted on social media on 9/2 depicts a Russian Geran-2 suicide drone flying over a forest before it suddenly explodes. Approximately two seconds later, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet enters the frame, accompanied by the distinct sound of its M61A1 rotary cannon firing.
The audible sound delay suggests the Ukrainian fighter engaged the drone from an estimated 600-700 m distance from both the cameraman and the Russian UAV. The footage also captures cheers from onlookers on the ground as debris falls into the nearby forest.
A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet shoots down a Russian UAV in a video released on 9/2. *Video: X/Status-6*
It remains unclear if the Ukrainian jet used its cannon due to an expended missile load or if environmental conditions prevented missile deployment.
The F-16 fighter is equipped with an M61A1 cannon, featuring six 20 mm barrels. It boasts an effective range of approximately 3 km and a maximum firing rate of 6,000 rounds per minute. The F-16 can carry 500-511 rounds, capable of expending its entire ammunition load within 5 seconds.
Ukrainian pilots have frequently employed the F-16's rotary cannon against Geran-series drones, a tactic that offers significant cost savings over using expensive air-to-air missiles. However, Western experts criticize this approach, deeming it both wasteful of valuable aircraft and a substantial risk to pilot safety.
David Axe, a military correspondent for Euromaidan Press, previously criticized Ukraine for "wasting F-16s" by deploying multi-million dollar fighter jets against inexpensive Russian drones. "F-16s are very ineffective in drone interception missions. This operation is extremely dangerous, even for well-trained pilots," Axe stated.
Ukrainian pilots acknowledge that Geran-2 drones present a challenging target. Their slow speed can hinder radar tracking, often leading to confusion with ground clutter. In numerous instances, radar systems lose track of drones flying over rooftops or misidentify them as moving vehicles. Furthermore, Geran-2 aircraft emit minimal heat, making them difficult for heat-seeking missile seekers to detect.
This challenge necessitates Ukrainian fighter jets to approach targets at close range to ensure a successful interception. However, such proximity exposes the fighter to potential damage from exploding drone debris or even accidental engagement by friendly ground-based air defense systems.
Ukraine has reportedly lost a total of 4 F-16 fighter jets since they commenced operations in 8/2024. Three of these were lost during interceptions of Russian drones and cruise missiles, while Russian air defenses shot down one aircraft.
These incidents resulted in the loss of three pilots for Ukraine, including Lieutenant Colonel Oleksiy Mes. Mes was regarded as a "star" pilot, instrumental in advocating for Western F-16 deliveries to Kyiv, and among the first six Ukrainian pilots qualified to operate the fighter jet.
Nguyen Tien (*According to Aviationist, AFP, AP*)
