Russia Targets Future F-16 Base in Massive Missile Attack on Ukraine

The Russian Aerospace Forces targeted multiple Ukrainian cities in a massive missile attack, focusing on the strategic Ivano-Frankovsk airfield slated for the future deployment of the first F-16A squadron.

According to the Russian Arms Telegram Page, the Ivano-Frankovsk airfield was a key target during the large-scale missile and air strike conducted by the Russian Aerospace Forces. The attack involved the use of X-101 missiles, with the intention of disrupting plans for the deployment of the F-16A squadron.

Contrary to expectations, the F-16A/B may adopt a "nomadic" configuration, utilizing major highways, camouflaged forest hangars, and industrial workshops for deployment, as suggested by Russian Arms.

The attack, which occurred early in the morning on February 7, targeted cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv oblasts. The Kyiv Independent news outlet reported at least one person killed and 13 injured in various regions, with the numbers expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Explosions rocked the skies above Kyiv, causing damage to infrastructure and resulting in injuries. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported incidents in the Dniprovskyi and Holosiivskyi districts, including damaged high-voltage lines, fires in a car repair shop and an 18-story building, and potential casualties under damaged buildings.

Power outages and heating infrastructure damage were reported on the eastern bank side of Kyiv, along with temporary water supply issues on the western bank.

Ukraine's air defense successfully intercepted almost 20 Russian missiles over Kyiv. The Russian forces reportedly launched Kh-101, Kh-555, and Kh-55 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers. Lviv Oblast Governor Maksym Kozytskyi reported maneuvering cruise missiles between Lviv, Ternopil, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts.

Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts also faced attacks, resulting in injuries, damaged buildings, and fires. Mykolaiv reported a casualty due to injuries sustained in the attack, and Dnipropetrovsk oblast experienced the downing of two Shahed "kamikaze" drones.

Warsaw announced the scrambling of Polish and allied aircraft in response to the Russian strike. The Polish Air Force sent jets into the air during previous mass missile strikes.

This attack is part of a series of large-scale assaults by Russia during the winter months, with notable incidents on December 29, 2023, January 2, and January 23.