In a targeted attack, Russian missile strike planners launched an unsuccessful offensive against Ukraine's Khmelnytsky region air base in Starokostyantyniv, which is considered to be the best prepared to handle soon-to-arrive American F-16 fighter jets, according to Kyiv statements.

On Friday, Kremlin Tu-95 "Bear" bombers reportedly fired five Kh-101 cruise missiles at the Ukrainian Air Force's main bomber base shortly before midnight. However, all missiles were successfully intercepted and shot down by early Friday morning, along with 19 Shahed kamikaze drones launched from Russia's Kursk Oblast, which were intended to distract air defenses.

The Ukrainian Air Force issued a statement mentioning explosions in the sky similar to past successful interceptions. Russian milbloggers reported a nighttime attack on the airfield, but specific details about the damage were not provided.

Furthermore, Ukrainian forces intercepted and destroyed an undisclosed number of new Russian drones, possibly decoys, according to military sources cited by the independent Ukrainska Pravda news outlet.

The attack on the Starokostyantyniv air base highlights the growing concerns surrounding the arrival of American F-16 jets in Ukraine. During a NATO summit in Washington DC on July 10, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that F-16 jets, funded by Denmark and the Netherlands, were already being transferred to the Ukrainian military.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) released by the US Air Force on Wednesday is seeking new aircraft-launched long-range weapons explicitly intended for use by Ukraine. This move underscores the importance of equipping Ukraine with the necessary tools to defend against Russian aggression.

Starokostyantyniv air base has been a frequent target of Russian attacks. The most recent major strike occurred on June 14, when Russia launched several cruise missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, and kamikaze drones towards the base. Ukrainian air defenders claimed to have shot down seven cruise missiles and all the drones, but the extent of any damage was not reported.

The Russian military has repeatedly targeted Starokostyantyniv air base, aiming to degrade its infrastructure. Ukrainian military researchers have confirmed that the air base was the primary target for Russian attacks during the month of June, with nearly half of the 368 long-range weapons fired by Russia focused on this location.

Experts have noted that Starokostyantyniv airfield, along with Vasylkiv airfield, is the main candidate for basing the F-16 jets. Russian military aviation writers have stressed the importance of pounding the airfield repeatedly to destroy what can be damaged, as some of Russia's weapons are capable of reaching the base and causing significant harm.

Analysts predict that the Russian strikes on Ukrainian airfields, including Starokostyantyniv, will likely continue and may even intensify in response to the ongoing transfer of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine.

As tensions escalate in the region, Ukraine remains committed to defending its airspace and maintaining its preparedness for the arrival of advanced Western aircraft. The international community closely monitors these developments, emphasizing the need to support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression and maintaining stability in the region.

Stefan Korshak, the Kyiv Post Senior Defense Correspondent and an experienced journalist in the former Soviet space, provides regular updates on the Russo-Ukraine war on various platforms, including Facebook, Substack, and Medium.