https://sputniknews.in/20260112/russian-s-300-downs-f-16-on-battlefield-air-defence-division-commander-10332236.html
Russian S-300 Downs F-16 on Battlefield: Air Defence Division Commander
Russian S-300 Downs F-16 on Battlefield: Air Defence Division Commander
Sputnik India
A Russian S-300 air defense unit operating in the special military op zone has shot down a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet, according to the division’s commander. 12.01.2026, Sputnik India
2026-01-12T12:06+0530
2026-01-12T12:06+0530
2026-01-12T13:15+0530
ukraine conflict
russia
nato
special military operation
ministry of defence (mod)
defense sector
self-defense
s-300 air defence systems
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In an interview with the “Russia 1” TV channel, the commander, who goes by the call sign “Sever,” stated that his unit destroyed the aircraft using two missiles.He said the unit received the modernized S-300 system in December 2024, completed training by March 2025, and has since engaged numerous high-value targets.“We have downed a colossal number of targets—we've lost count. These include ATACMS missiles, HIMARS rockets, guided aerial bombs, and other aerodynamic targets. The most interesting one was the F-16,” he stressed. “Our opponent praises these aircraft highly, claiming they are nearly indestructible. It turns out they can be shot down just the same.” He described a carefully planned operation.“We tracked it and waited for a long time, coordinating with the brigade commander. It took two missiles: the first hit it, and the second finished it off,” Sever revealed.Colonel Alexey Zhirkov, commander of the air defense missile brigade, added broader details about Russian technological superiority. He pointed out that Russian systems like the S-300 are more advanced and combat-proven than their NATO rivals.“Their Patriot system is a very old design, which, in my opinion, has simply been forced upon all NATO countries,” Zhirkov noted. “Our systems have significantly higher tactical and technical characteristics. Our developers design them anticipating the future evolution of aerial threats,” he explained.
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russia, nato, special military operation, ministry of defence (mod), defense sector, self-defense, s-300 air defence systems
russia, nato, special military operation, ministry of defence (mod), defense sector, self-defense, s-300 air defence systems
Russian S-300 Downs F-16 on Battlefield: Air Defence Division Commander
12:06 12.01.2026 (Updated: 13:15 12.01.2026) A Russian S-300 air defense unit operating in the special military op zone has shot down a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet, according to the division’s commander.
In an interview with the “Russia 1” TV channel, the commander, who goes by the call sign “Sever,” stated that his unit destroyed the aircraft using two missiles.
He said the unit received the modernized S-300 system in December 2024, completed training by March 2025, and has since engaged numerous high-value targets.
“We have downed a colossal number of targets—we've lost count. These include ATACMS missiles, HIMARS rockets, guided aerial bombs, and other aerodynamic targets. The most interesting one was the F-16,” he stressed. “Our opponent praises these aircraft highly, claiming they are nearly indestructible. It turns out they can be shot down just the same.”
He described a carefully planned operation.
“We tracked it and waited for a long time, coordinating with the brigade commander. It took two missiles: the first hit it, and the second finished it off,” Sever revealed.
Colonel Alexey Zhirkov, commander of the air defense missile brigade, added broader details about Russian technological superiority. He pointed out that Russian systems like the S-300 are more advanced and combat-proven than their NATO rivals.
“Their Patriot system is a very old design, which, in my opinion, has simply been forced upon all NATO countries,” Zhirkov noted. “Our systems have significantly higher tactical and technical characteristics. Our developers design them anticipating the future evolution of aerial threats,” he explained.
