F-16 Pilot Shares Stunning First-Person View of Ukraine from the Cockpit

5 March, 2025 Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot. March 2025. Frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force

A Ukrainian pilot captured a video from the cockpit of an F-16 fighter jet soaring over Ukraine's skies, with the aircraft armed with four AIM-9L/M missiles. Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command, shared the video. The Ukrainian Air Force Command further clarified that the footage was captured on the evening of March 4, 2025.

In the video, the pilot warmly thanks the people of the United States for their military support of Ukraine while calling for continued solidarity in Ukraine's struggle. The fighter jet was probably on combat duty and armed with four American-made AIM-9L/M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles under its wings.

These short-range, heat-seeking missiles can shoot down a variety of aircraft, including cruise missiles and UAVs, which the Russians use to attack Ukraine.

AIM-9L/M missiles under the wings of a Ukrainian F-16.

March 2025. Footage from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force

Last October, it was reported that the Ukrainian Air Force had already started deploying the new AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missiles. The missile is designed to be installed on a wide range of modern aircraft, including the F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, F-22 Raptor, and all versions of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

AIM-9X Block II missiles of the Ukrainian Air Force.

2024. Ukraine. Frame from the video of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The missiles have significantly enhanced the capabilities of Ukrainian F-16 fighters.

AIM-9X air-to-air missile under the wing of an F-16 fighter.

Photo credits: Posterazzi

The AIM-9X is also capable of being used by the NASAMS air defense system to shoot down cruise missiles and other air targets.

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets. August 2024. Photo credits: Ukrainian Air Force

At the beginning of the year, the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced that for the first time in history, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet shot down six Russian cruise missiles in one combat mission.

This happened during a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine on December 13, 2024.

At that time, there were almost 200 enemy drones, Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, ballistic missiles, and 94 air-, sea-, and land-based cruise missiles in the Ukrainian sky.