A covert U.S.-Dutch F-16 squadron is patrolling the skies over Kyiv, intercepting Russian cruise missiles and drones, according to French website Intelligence Online.
The report stated that the newly formed squadron is playing a key role not only in defending Kyiv but also in training Ukrainian pilots, many of whom have only recently started flying F-16s.
According to Ukrainian media, pilots operate alongside Ukrainians on six-month rotations, training them in night interceptions and electronic warfare.
The unit reportedly includes American pilots who “have carried out numerous combat missions in Afghanistan,” as well as a Western veteran who flew missions in the Middle East before joining the operation in Ukraine. Among the Dutch pilots are graduates of “leading European air combat schools known for their advanced training in interception and modern aerial warfare.”
Ukraine denies the squadron’s existence.
“Yesterday evening the French outlet Intelligence Online published news that Ukraine had created a secret F-16 squadron made up of Ukrainian, American, and Dutch pilots… And of course, the squadron is led by Tom Cruise!” Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat wrote on Facebook.
He added that Ukrainian pilots flying Western aircraft have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness. “This morning, most of the cruise missiles were downed by them,” he noted.
Earlier reports said that Russian forces launched a massive combined aerial attack on the night of Feb. 17, targeting critical infrastructure across Ukraine with a total of 425 missiles and drones.
On the night of February 17, Russia launched a massive air attack against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
425 air assets used:
• 250 Shahed-type UAVs
• 20 Kh-101 cruise missiles
• 4 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles
• 4 Iskander-K cruise missiles
• 1 guided aerial… pic.twitter.com/NIWkNLuXND— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 17, 2026
The assault, which affected 12 regions and focused heavily on the energy sector, resulted in at least one death and nine injuries, including children, according to United24 Media.
