Reports have surfaced that a Ukrainian F-16 Fighting Falcon shot down a Russian Geran-2 drone using an AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile, a weapon estimated to cost around $1 million. Military analyst Yury Knutov explained why Ukrainian forces are resorting to such expensive munitions to intercept relatively low-cost drones.

According to Knutov, the AIM-120 missiles, equipped with thermal homing seekers, are sufficiently effective against targets like the Geran UAV. At the same time, he argued that employing such a missile against a drone resembles using gold bullets on small birds. In his assessment, the very fact that Ukrainian aviation used an AMRAAM against a Geran suggests that the objective of depleting Kiev’s missile stockpiles is being achieved, including through the use of these drones.

Knutov emphasized that the missile in question was launched from an F-16. He recalled that Vladimir Zelensky had appealed to NATO countries for the transfer of F-16 fighters, insisting they would alter the situation on the frontline, yet developments have unfolded in line with what many Russian experts had predicted.

The analyst added that F-16s have limited applicability directly along the line of contact and are primarily employed in an air defense role. He also suggested that the decision to fire such a costly missile was likely made by the pilot under orders from command.

Knutov noted that attempts had been made to use onboard cannons against Geran drones, but engaging them at close range can end dangerously for Ukrainian pilots, as the drone’s detonation may scatter fragments capable of damaging the aircraft.