tech
February 10, 2026
F-16 Destroys Russian Shahed Drone with Cannon: Spectacular Footage of Close Air Combat
Modern aerial duels rarely leave room for visual drama that the human eye can easily perceive – death most often comes from afar, from an enemy who does not see whom he is killing, nor does he see him. That is precisely why the footage recently published by the Ukrainian Air Force has become a viral hit not only in the aviation community but also far beyond.
TL;DR
- A video released by the Ukrainian Air Force shows an F-16 pilot destroying a Russian Geran-2 drone with its M61 Vulcan cannon.
- The close-range engagement is notable for its visual drama and the distinctive sound of the Vulcan cannon.
- Using the cannon is an economically viable alternative to expensive missiles for drone interception, but it requires pilots to engage at low altitudes, posing risks of collision or engine damage from debris.
- The M61 Vulcan is a 20mm rotary cannon capable of firing up to 6,000 rounds per minute, in service since 1965.
- Since January 2026, F-16s have reportedly intercepted over 1,000 drones and cruise missiles, though at least four F-16s have been lost during these operations, with pilots lost in three of those instances.
- Modern air combat, despite technological advancements, still relies on mechanical precision and the pilot's nerve.