A newly released video captures the moment a Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot, call sign Denfix, shoots down a Russian Shahed drone in broad daylight.
The video, published by Ukraine’s Air Command West on Facebook, shows the fighter launching a missile, which hits the target mid-air, and a plume of smoke passing the aircraft. Kyiv Post could not independently verify when or where the footage was taken.
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“Usually, the Russians launch Shaheds at night. But this time, they attacked in the early morning,” Denfix said. “It’s easier to detect and destroy drones in daylight.”
Unlike night missions, Denfix said he could clearly see the drone through his targeting system.
“After the explosion, I was happy that I was doing a good deed and that I managed to see with my own eyes a destroyed enemy drone that did not reach its target and did not destroy anything on our native land,” he added.
According to the Air Force, this pilot has already shot down more than two dozen Russian cruise missiles and UAVs.
In early April, MiG-29 pilot Denfix shared insights into how he intercepts Russian cruise missiles and Shahed drones, as part of a short interview published by Ukraine’s Air Force Command.
The interview highlighted how Russia continues to improve its strike drones and increase their use in nighttime attacks.
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Denfix described the challenges of targeting slow-moving drones with high-speed fighter jets, calling it more difficult than many assume. He recalled the intense emotions of combat: moments of joy after a successful interception, quickly followed by the need to refocus.
After taking down one Shahed, he was immediately sent to engage another. “I launched the missile. A moment later – an explosion in the air,” he said, adding that the thought of preventing harm on the ground gave him strength during ongoing combat duty.
Ukrainian fighter pilots, including Denfix, have also taken on a dual role, striking Russian positions with precision-guided bombs.
He described the missions near the front lines as high-risk, with constant threats from Russian jets and air defenses, but emphasized that their determination remains strong.
The Air Force also recently released its first interview with an F-16 pilot, who praised the aircraft and dismissed claims of faulty intelligence. “We receive up-to-date information,” the pilot said, noting that more than 80% of launched missiles have successfully intercepted their targets.
However, the pilot acknowledged that F-16s are still unable to reach Russian bombers launching guided bombs from deep within Russian airspace.
“Our main focus is countering Russian guided bombs,” he said, citing the importance of electronic warfare and the urgent need for more Western air defense systems.
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