Ukrainian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon fighters continue hunting Russian drones using their M61 Vulcan cannons, an action that has become increasingly common over Ukrainian skies but has once again been brought into focus following the viral spread of a recent incident. The footage also highlights the challenges and risks faced by local aircrews amid the saturation attacks launched by Moscow.
Although F-16AM shootdowns have been recorded on previous occasions, the recent video reveals several details of the interception, ranging from the short distance at which the engagement took place to the ever-present risk that fragments from the explosion could damage the interceptor aircraft.
This is no minor issue, as various analyses agree that the Ukrainian Air Force may have lost at least five fighter aircraft due to this cause: two MiG-29s, two Su-27s, and one F-16, the latter just weeks after being officially unveiled. Over time, new challenges have also emerged, as Russia has begun arming its Shahed/Geran drones with R-60 air-to-air missiles (AA-8 Aphid in NATO designation).
M61 Vulcan cannon, one of the F-16’s teeth
As mentioned, in this recent incident the Ukrainian F-16AM used its M61 Vulcan cannon to shoot down a Russian drone. While in theory this is the appropriate tool to counter unmanned attack aerial systems, its employment against small, slow-moving targets presents a significant challenge for Ukrainian Air Force pilots. Added to this are the threats posed by a highly contested environment such as Ukrainian airspace, as well as weather and visibility conditions.
Despite this, the M61 Vulcan delivers impressive performance: its six-barrel rotary configuration provides a rate of fire ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 rounds of 20 mm ammunition per minute. In the footage that went viral on social media, the characteristic “BRRRTTT” can be heard, followed seconds later by the explosion of the Russian drone.
Ukrainian F-16AM Fighting Falcons can also be armed with short-range AIM-9L/M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. However, the cost of these munitions and their limited availability make them less suitable as a primary solution for counter-drone missions. Their use would be more appropriate against cruise missiles.
Nevertheless, it is speculated that Ukrainian Fighting Falcons may have incorporated the capability to employ AGR-20 APKWS II guided rockets, after an F-16AM was observed equipped with a PANTERA pod, the export version of the advanced AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod produced by Lockheed Martin. Both the Norwegian and Dutch F-16s donated to Ukraine are capable of operating this pod.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have been employing a wide range of solutions and systems to counter Russian drones, from mobile ground-based teams to the use of various aircraft as aerial hunters. This has included veteran Yak-52 trainers and, more recently, an armed An-28, a Ukrainian “Spooky” variant that came to light just a few days ago.
Illustrative cover collage. Credits: Ukrainian Air Force.
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