Kyiv, Ukraine CNN —It can take years to fully train an F-16 fighter pilot. Moonfish is the call sign of a Ukrainian pilot who is training to fly the United States-designed multirole aircraft. In August, after months of lobbying by Kyiv, the US committed to approving the transfer of fourth-generation fighter jets to Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk told CNN that Ukrainian air defenses destroy on average about 75% of incoming cruise missiles and attack drones, but that the remainder of the weapons still reach their targets. He couldn’t attend the funeral or say goodbye but says he continues the F-16 training for the sake of Pilshchikov as well as for his comrades.

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Persons: “, –, Moonfish, ”, ” Moonfish, ” Yurii Ihnat, Ben Guerir, Fadel Senna, Mykola Oleshchuk, ” Oleshchuk, Mose, Andriy Pilshchikov, ” Pilshchikov, couldn’t, “ Andriy Organizations: Ukraine CNN, CNN, Swiss Army, Ukraine’s Air Force Command, Russia, US Air Force, Getty, Russian, Ukrainian Air Force, Air, ” Troops, Separate Assault Brigade Locations: Kyiv, Ukraine, Ukrainian, United States, Swiss, Russia, Ben, Marrakesh, AFP, Moscow, Bakhmut, Donetsk region