Russia claims to have shot down F-16s, although they are not yet in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force mocks Russian propaganda

The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, Colonel Yuri Ihnat, denied information from Kremlin propagandists about allegedly “destroyed” F-16 fighters in Ukraine. They couldn't have destroyed them because the planes had not yet reached Ukraine. The personnel and infrastructure necessary to receive the new aircraft are still being prepared.

"There is readiness, there is confirmation from our Western partners. In addition to pilots, engineers, and infrastructure, are needed. Our partners have declared that they are ready for the transfer. So far, this has been a declaration"
said Yuri Ihnat.

The spokesperson added that Russian propagandists will end this year with at least two "downed" squadrons. Russian propaganda has reached so far that there are even memes about it.

F-16 Fighters for Ukraine

It is widely said that the F-16 fighters, which are to be delivered to Ukraine at the beginning of next year, may change the course of the war with Russia. The standard equipment of the F-16 includes a six-barreled 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon, but these machines are very versatile and can be adapted to the needs of the mission and the carrying of various types of weapons.

This multi-role fighter can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (over 2,100 km/h) and operate at a ceiling of up to 15 km and a range of approximately 3,200 km.

We have already mentioned the basic weapons a bit, but it is also worth mentioning other types of ammunition and missiles that the F-16 can carry. It is adapted to, among others: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-65 Maverick, or anti-ship AGM-84D Harpoon and Penguin. In addition, it can also carry CBU-87, CBU-89, GBU-10, GBU-12, Paveway, or JDAM bombs.

While Russian forces could not destroy the planes, which did not even reach Ukraine, in recent days Ukrainians managed to destroy a Russian Su-34 bomber and a Su-30 fighter.