Comment by nradov
2 days ago
Ukrainian F-16s have used cannons to shoot down some Russian drones. Cheaper than a missile, but a somewhat risky maneuver as it requires getting close at low altitude and possibly flying through the exploding debris.
https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/02/09/ukrainian-f-16am-...
Thanks. With the relative speeds, I'd guess the Falcons would use an attack profile similar to ground strafing - letting them pass well above the cloud of debris. Any thoughts?
Also, Wikipedia gives a 3km effective firing range for the M61 - but it'd be no surprise if the F-16's standard targeting optics can't achieve that against small airborne targets.
This video shows a Ukrainian F-16 doing just that along with reactions from a pair of experienced US fighter pilots. It seems they're shooting from closer than 3km.
https://youtu.be/xuriiDzSB5k
Far closer, because (my impression) the F-16 has nothing resembling the targeting systems you'd want for this job.
Hopefully a decent defense contractor or few sees business opportunities here.