F-16 shot down 34 out of 35 cruise missiles during a massive attack on December 23.

Repelling a powerful attack of the occupiers

According to ТСН: On December 23, Ukraine successfully repelled a massive aerial attack from the enemy thanks to the efforts of all components of the Security and Defense Forces. Pilots of the F-16 fighter jets played a significant role in shooting down cruise missiles.

The head of the communication department of the Air Force Command reported that as a result of the attacks, damage was recorded at 21 locations. There are also losses due to the fall of missile and drone debris.

A total of 673 aerial attack tools were launched, including 38 air and ground-based missiles (35 cruise missiles and 3 air-launched Kinzhals (X-47M2)).

"The enemy released such a large number of aerial attack tools. The geography of this attack was vast — as far as the Lviv region. Odesa region was also affected. Combat work was carried out in Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, and Zhytomyr regions," he said.

Out of 673 aerial attack tools, 635 were shot down and suppressed.

"This is a number achieved through the tremendous work of all security and defense forces, all those who work on aerial targets — Shaheds, Gerbans, Italmas, and cruise missiles."

Igant also reported that out of 35 cruise missiles, 34 were shot down.

"The main credit for this goes to the pilots of the tactical aviation, our pilots, especially F-16s. The commander of the Air Force notes their work, as well as the work of all components of the Defense Forces involved in shooting down other aerial targets," he added.

The head of the communication department shared details that helped repel the powerful enemy attack.

"Undoubtedly — this is the support of partners. Without the supply of missiles, which we hint at in almost every video story, and which the pilots and aircraft technicians talk about — we are ready to defend, we are ready to fight, but we need to have the means to work against enemy missiles," he emphasized.

Yuriy Ignat expressed gratitude to international partners for supplying the necessary means but noted that

"we want more."

The operation carried out became a striking example of the coordinated actions of all components of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. International support, in particular the supply of modern weapons, continues to be a key factor in the fight against the aggressor. Ukraine is ready for further resistance to the enemy, but for this, it is necessary to have enough resources and technology.