A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet has shot down a Russian aircraft in an aerial battle for the first time, declared the Chief of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, during a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
During the hearing, Senator Richard Durbin asked General Caine what impact a potential interruption, for a period of three years, in the funding of anti-aircraft defense systems intended for Ukraine could have.
In response, the general emphasized that the Ukrainian defense industry has significantly expanded its own capabilities – from “ground-to-air” type systems to aerial combat means.
As an example, Caine mentioned a recent air battle in which, according to him, a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter jet for the first time.
\”Recently, we witnessed the first aerial battle in which a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter jet. Over the past few years, thanks to the support of several partners, Ukraine has significantly strengthened its defense system on multiple levels\”, the general stated.
Caine added that, thanks to the help of allies, Ukraine has significantly strengthened its layered defense system and expanded its own military capabilities.
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