The American F-16 aircraft flown to Ukraine was reportedly shot down by the Patriot air defense system, The New York Times reported, citing a Western official briefed on the investigation.
“A Western official briefed on the preliminary investigation into the crash said there were “indications” that friendly fire from a Patriot missile battery may have brought down the plane, although technical faults and pilot error have not yet been ruled out.” – the article says.
He piloted the downed fighter. Alexey Month He was one of ten Ukrainians “who underwent an accelerated training program before going into combat, which entails an additional element of risk,” the publication notes.
“It will take years before the Ukrainian Air Force has enough experience to effectively carry out combat missions” with the F-16, the publication writes.
According to military experts, the potential for friendly fire incidents increases during massive missile and drone attacks.
“It’s hard to tell who’s good and who’s bad, especially when there are missiles flying at the same time.” – said the senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington* Marcos Cancian.
This is a “big problem,” he said.
*An organization whose activities are recognized as undesirable in the territory of the Russian Federation.
