F-16 fighter jet of US shot down in…, hunted down by S-400 air defence system of…, India has…

This attack has created a stir across the world.

New Delhi: According to a BBC report, Ukraine has suffered a huge blow. The Ukrainian Air Force has confirmed that Russia has shot down an American F-16 fighter jet. This incident of the F-16 being destroyed on the battlefield has not only shaken the strategy of the Ukrainian Air Force but has also sparked new debates regarding America’s military diplomacy and Russia’s air defense capabilities.

Reports from BBC and BulgarianMilitary state that the F-16 fighter jet was likely shot down by the Russian air defense system S-400. However, several reports also claim that it is possible that the R-37 air-to-air missile targeted the F-16 as well. Although this has not been officially confirmed, this single attack has created a stir among supporters and opponents in both countries.

The F-16s are grounded on the battlefield.

Russia’s S-400 air defense system is considered one of the deadliest and most precise systems in the world. This system can strike targets up to 400 km away and is capable of tracking 80 targets simultaneously. The missiles used in this system pose a serious threat to fighter jets like the F-16, especially when they enter Russian radar range. India also employs the S-400 air defense system. The agreement between India and Russia angered the United States, which threatened to impose sanctions against India. However, India stood firm on its decision and deployed the S-400 missile system near the LAC to account for any potential Chinese attack.

The R-37 missile is typically launched from Russia’s Su-35 and MiG-31 fighters. Its range is believed to be between 300 to 400 km, and it flies at Mach 6 speed or 7450 kmh. It is specifically designed to take down high-value targets such as AWACS, tankers, and fighter jets.

If the F-16 was hit by the R-37, it indicates that Russia is not only maintaining a defensive posture over Ukrainian airspace but is also establishing an offensive capability. The downing of the F-16 is a significant signal for countries relying on American weapons, such as India, Egypt, or Indonesia. This incident illustrates that expensive weaponry alone is not sufficient; proper strategy, support systems, and geopolitical planning are also essential.